Geoff Redick posted on June 15, 2011 15:57
Genesee Community College will be getting one of the most controversial items in Western New York these days: a wind turbine.
The Board of Trustees on Monday approved the construction of a turbine on the northeast corner of the campus, near the Thruway. There will only be one turbine built, and it will be for educational purposes. The college will receive minimal electrical benefit from the turbine.
It’s also planned to be much shorter than conventional energy turbines, at just 70 feet tall.
Construction of the turbine will be funded by a state Title I grant. Three area schools will combine to use the turbine for classroom purposes: Batavia, Alexander, and Pavilion.
GCC’s campus on the hill is unofficially the windiest location in Genesee County. It is also adjacent to the highest altitude portion of the I-90 Thruway, in all of New York State.