Baucus, Tester Praise Rim Rock Wind Farm Financing

By Myers Reece, 1-10-12

Montana Sens. Jon Tester and Max Baucus praised Tuesday's announcement that renewable energy company NaturEner USA has secured financing to proceed with construction on a 189-megawatt wind farm in Toole and Glacier counties.

The Rim Rock wind farm, which will be NaturEner's third in Montana, will encompass more than 20,000 acres and generate enough energy to power more than 60,000 homes. NaturEner expects to begin operating commercially by the end of 2012.

The Great Falls Tribune reports that the company has secured a $320 million construction loan from Morgan Stanley and will receive a $285 million tax-equity capital contribution from San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) once the project has reached commercial operation.

Here is the statement from Baucus:

“The Rim Rock Wind Farm is one more opportunity for Montana to be a leader in the energy future, and I am thrilled to see it moving forward. This is great news for Montana jobs and American energy security."

Tester:

“Bringing Rim Rock online will not only boost our country’s energy security, it will also create jobs and opportunities for Montanans. That’s a win-win in my book, and a victory that will strengthen the Treasure State’s energy infrastructure for years to come. I’m proud to support smart projects like Rim Rock that create jobs and look forward to backing similar efforts in the future.”

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