Federal Aviation Administration

FAA Refuses Wind Farm Near Erie Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration is refusing to approve a wind farm near Erie International Airport. The agency said the wind turbines would interfere with radar needed to safely control air traffic.

The Erie Times-News reports the FAA had previously approved the wind farm plans by an affiliate of Pioneer Wind Energy.

But when that approval expired in May, the FAA revisited the question of radar safety and earlier this month decided it would be a problem.

Pioneer wants to build up to 67 wind turbines, some up to 450 feet tall.

FAA approval is needed for any structure more than 200 feet tall that is built near an airport.

Pioneer says it may try to downsize its plans and relocate the turbines in hopes of getting approval for the project.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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