Hearing Set On Western Md. Wind Farm Plan

MCHENRY, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Public Service Commission is hearing public comments on Exelon Corp.'s plan to place 12 to 15 wind turbines on Backbone Mountain in Garrett County about six miles south of Oakland.

The public hearing Thursday night is at Garrett College in McHenry.

The Chicago-based company is pursuing the project through its Fair Wind Power Partners subsidiary.

The 30-megawatt wind farm was originally part of a project proposed by Clipper Windpower Inc. Exelon bought the Fair Wind project from Clipper in February.

Exelon says construction could begin in early 2014, with commercial operation commencing by the end of next year.

Construction must start within one year of PSC approval. At least one wind turbine must be functioning within two years.

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