fbpx
Friday, March 24th, 2023 at 11:49 PM
Lootpress
  • News
    • All
    • Breaking
    • Business
    • Consumer
    • Crime
    • Featured
    • Health
    • Lifestyle
    • Local
    • National
    • North Carolina News
    • Politics
    • State
    • Top Stories
    • Virginia News
    • Weather News

    Oceana Founders Day and Heritage Festival dates announced

    Photo: Meadow Bridge Public Library

    Meadow Bridge Public Library to close permanently

    Ascential Buildings cuts ribbon at Mount Hope location

    Man arrested after cutting palm of girlfriend’s hand with box cutter

    Raleigh County Man Sentenced to Prison Federal Drug Crime

    Man arrested after hitting step-daughter in face with a book

    Taskforce drug search leads to four arrests

    First responders honored at Public Safety Ceremony

    Beckley City Council will consider ‘emergency purchase’ of six police vehicles in upcoming meeting

    Trending Tags

    • Raleigh County
    • Fayette County
    • Mercer County
    • Breaking
    • Crime
    • Local
    • National

      Why executions by firing squad may be coming back in the US

      Court blocks COVID-19 vaccine mandate for US gov’t workers

      Rep. Carol Miller Introduces Amendment to H.R. 1 to Complete Mountain Valley Pipeline

      GM to stop making the Camaro but a successor may be in works

      Supreme Court chews on Jack Daniel’s dog toy dispute

      Def Leppard drummer recovering from attack outside hotel

      Crash Team Rumble Spins Onto Consoles June 20

      2 escape jail and go to IHOP, where patrons report them

      FILE - A Venus fly trap grows naturally in a Carolina Bay at Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve in Conway, S.C., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005. Conservationists want South Carolina to make the Venus fly trap the state's official carnivorous plant, joining other official items such as the state bird (Carolina Wren), state hospitality beverage (tea) and the state picnic cuisine (barbecue). (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain, File)

      Snap! Venus fly trap fans ask South Carolina to honor plant

    • Politics

      Biden approval dips near lowest point: AP-NORC poll

      Rep. Carol Miller Introduces Amendment to H.R. 1 to Complete Mountain Valley Pipeline

      Saudi Arabia frees American imprisoned over critical tweets

      West Virginia Nate Cain announces candidacy for United States Congress

      Mayor of Pineville resigns to pursue career as warehouse manager

      Biden issues first veto, defending Labor Dept. ‘ESG’ rule

      Sen. Mike Stuart eyes statewide run

      Some Trump rivals rally to his side as possible charges loom

      FILE PHOTO: U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) listens during a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on Michael Regan's nomination to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., February 3, 2021. REUTERS/Brandon Bell/Pool/File Photo

      Members of West Virginia Delegation Stand Up for Domestic Hardwood Plywood Producers

    • State
      Photo: Meadow Bridge Public Library

      Meadow Bridge Public Library to close permanently

      Man arrested after cutting palm of girlfriend’s hand with box cutter

      Man arrested after hitting step-daughter in face with a book

      Taskforce drug search leads to four arrests

      First responders honored at Public Safety Ceremony

      Temporary TSA PreCheck® application center set for April 17 to 21 inside West Virginia International Yeager Airport

      Fairmont State University Community Arts program announces Spring 2023 schedule

      Capito Announces Over $1 Million in ARC Grants for West Virginia

      WVDOT extends condolences to those killed in Maryland work zone crash, asks public to pay attention in work zones

    • Virginia News
    • Weather News
  • County News
    • Barbour County
    • Barbour County
    • Berkeley County
    • Boone County
    • Braxton County
    • Buchanan County
    • Cabell County
    • Clay County
    • Greenbrier County
    • Fayette County
    • Jackson County
    • Kanawha County
    • Lewis County
    • Logan County
    • Mason County
    • McDowell County
    • Mercer County
    • Mingo County
    • Monroe County
    • Nicholas County
    • Putnam County
    • Raleigh County
    • Randolph County
    • Randolph County
    • Summers County
    • Wyoming County
  • Sports
    • 2021 Prep Football Tab
    • 2021 Prep Football Playoffs
    • Local Sports
    • College Sports
    • Boys Basketball
    • Girls Basketball
    • Prep Baseball
    • Prep Softball
    • Prep Football
    • Prep Soccer
    • Prep Track and Field
    • Prep Volleyball
    • Golf
    • WVU Tech
  • Lifestyle
    • Birth Announcements
    • Pet of the Week
    • Visit Southern WV Tourism
  • Obituaries
  • Editorials
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Write For Us
    • Contact Us
  • Email Alerts
  • Community Calendar
No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • All
    • Breaking
    • Business
    • Consumer
    • Crime
    • Featured
    • Health
    • Lifestyle
    • Local
    • National
    • North Carolina News
    • Politics
    • State
    • Top Stories
    • Virginia News
    • Weather News

    Oceana Founders Day and Heritage Festival dates announced

    Photo: Meadow Bridge Public Library

    Meadow Bridge Public Library to close permanently

    Ascential Buildings cuts ribbon at Mount Hope location

    Man arrested after cutting palm of girlfriend’s hand with box cutter

    Raleigh County Man Sentenced to Prison Federal Drug Crime

    Man arrested after hitting step-daughter in face with a book

    Taskforce drug search leads to four arrests

    First responders honored at Public Safety Ceremony

    Beckley City Council will consider ‘emergency purchase’ of six police vehicles in upcoming meeting

    Trending Tags

    • Raleigh County
    • Fayette County
    • Mercer County
    • Breaking
    • Crime
    • Local
    • National

      Why executions by firing squad may be coming back in the US

      Court blocks COVID-19 vaccine mandate for US gov’t workers

      Rep. Carol Miller Introduces Amendment to H.R. 1 to Complete Mountain Valley Pipeline

      GM to stop making the Camaro but a successor may be in works

      Supreme Court chews on Jack Daniel’s dog toy dispute

      Def Leppard drummer recovering from attack outside hotel

      Crash Team Rumble Spins Onto Consoles June 20

      2 escape jail and go to IHOP, where patrons report them

      FILE - A Venus fly trap grows naturally in a Carolina Bay at Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve in Conway, S.C., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005. Conservationists want South Carolina to make the Venus fly trap the state's official carnivorous plant, joining other official items such as the state bird (Carolina Wren), state hospitality beverage (tea) and the state picnic cuisine (barbecue). (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain, File)

      Snap! Venus fly trap fans ask South Carolina to honor plant

    • Politics

      Biden approval dips near lowest point: AP-NORC poll

      Rep. Carol Miller Introduces Amendment to H.R. 1 to Complete Mountain Valley Pipeline

      Saudi Arabia frees American imprisoned over critical tweets

      West Virginia Nate Cain announces candidacy for United States Congress

      Mayor of Pineville resigns to pursue career as warehouse manager

      Biden issues first veto, defending Labor Dept. ‘ESG’ rule

      Sen. Mike Stuart eyes statewide run

      Some Trump rivals rally to his side as possible charges loom

      FILE PHOTO: U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) listens during a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on Michael Regan's nomination to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., February 3, 2021. REUTERS/Brandon Bell/Pool/File Photo

      Members of West Virginia Delegation Stand Up for Domestic Hardwood Plywood Producers

    • State
      Photo: Meadow Bridge Public Library

      Meadow Bridge Public Library to close permanently

      Man arrested after cutting palm of girlfriend’s hand with box cutter

      Man arrested after hitting step-daughter in face with a book

      Taskforce drug search leads to four arrests

      First responders honored at Public Safety Ceremony

      Temporary TSA PreCheck® application center set for April 17 to 21 inside West Virginia International Yeager Airport

      Fairmont State University Community Arts program announces Spring 2023 schedule

      Capito Announces Over $1 Million in ARC Grants for West Virginia

      WVDOT extends condolences to those killed in Maryland work zone crash, asks public to pay attention in work zones

    • Virginia News
    • Weather News
  • County News
    • Barbour County
    • Barbour County
    • Berkeley County
    • Boone County
    • Braxton County
    • Buchanan County
    • Cabell County
    • Clay County
    • Greenbrier County
    • Fayette County
    • Jackson County
    • Kanawha County
    • Lewis County
    • Logan County
    • Mason County
    • McDowell County
    • Mercer County
    • Mingo County
    • Monroe County
    • Nicholas County
    • Putnam County
    • Raleigh County
    • Randolph County
    • Randolph County
    • Summers County
    • Wyoming County
  • Sports
    • 2021 Prep Football Tab
    • 2021 Prep Football Playoffs
    • Local Sports
    • College Sports
    • Boys Basketball
    • Girls Basketball
    • Prep Baseball
    • Prep Softball
    • Prep Football
    • Prep Soccer
    • Prep Track and Field
    • Prep Volleyball
    • Golf
    • WVU Tech
  • Lifestyle
    • Birth Announcements
    • Pet of the Week
    • Visit Southern WV Tourism
  • Obituaries
  • Editorials
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Write For Us
    • Contact Us
  • Email Alerts
  • Community Calendar
No Result
View All Result
Lootpress
No Result
View All Result

Gov. Justice announces start of construction on Black Rock Wind project

Gailyn Markham by Gailyn Markham
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 10:37 am

CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Gov. Jim Justice and Clearway Energy Group announced today that construction has commenced on the Black Rock Wind project; a 115-megawatt wind farm that spans Grant and Mineral counties.

“Today’s announcement is incredible and it’s been in the wings for some time,” Gov. Justice said during today’s virtual announcement. “I am a complete believer that West Virginia has to be a diversified state, and we’ve become just that. We still don’t want to forget, in any way, our coal mine jobs, our natural gas jobs, or our oil jobs and how important they are. But we have embraced our role as an all-encompassing energy state. We want to welcome alternatives, and this wind farm will absolutely amp up our wind production in this great state in a big way and will help us move forward with great jobs.”

During construction, Black Rock Wind will create at least 200 jobs and generate millions of dollars of spending in the local community.

“We’re pushing the buttons to make great things happen in West Virginia, with a great diversified economy, with tourism booming, and all the good stuff that we’ve got going on,” Gov. Justice said. “This is just another welcome announcement to all the goodness that’s happening right in West Virginia right now.

“I thank the Clearway Energy Group, I thank those working on the Black Rock wind farm, I thank Toyota, AEP, and all the different people that are making it happen,” Gov. Justice continued. “But, more than anything, I want to thank the officials of Grant and Mineral counties, and all the great people that have put in the licks, our Commerce people and others, who have made this become a reality.”

The project will have a total of 23 turbines supplied by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and construction is being led by Reed & Reed and Bechtel Corporation.

Once Black Rock is operational, Clearway will be among the leading taxpayers in Grant and Mineral counties, with Black Rock paying $5.7 million in property taxes to the counties and $9 million in Business & Occupation taxes to the State over the life of the project. Clearway has also established the Black Rock Community Benefit Fund, which will donate $50,000 to local nonprofits every year throughout the project’s lifespan.

“Black Rock represents a significant investment in West Virginia’s energy economy,” said Craig Cornelius, CEO of Clearway. “We are excited to support good-paying jobs while making substantial investments in local businesses and the community, and we have great belief in what the future holds here. In building Black Rock, and making further investments in nearby Pinnacle wind farm, we’re making a strong commitment to West Virginia. We see a great future for renewable energy in the Mountain State’s economy, and we’re looking forward to continuing to invest to enable that growth in the years to come.”

Black Rock is expected to reach commercial operations in late 2021. Once complete, Black Rock will increase West Virginia’s wind power by 15 percent. In December, Clearway announced a joint equity transaction for a 1.6 GW portfolio that includes Black Rock.

“West Virginia continues to support the diversification of our state’s economy and we are here to support this wonderful project,” said West Virginia Secretary of Commerce Ed Gaunch. “We are delighted to see Clearway deepen its roots in the Mountain State.”

“Governor, first I want to thank you for your leadership through this pandemic that our state is going through. Thank you, also, for your leadership in the economy, growing West Virginia,” said West Virginia Delegate Ruth Rowan. “I also want to thank the people at Clearway. They have helped in growing things here locally. They give generously to Ashby’s Fort, which is encouraging tourism here in Mineral County, and they contribute to the local libraries. So they’re also not only investing in the economy now, but in the future with our children.”

“This is a terrific day for West Virginia,” said Randy Crane, President of the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce. “I want to thank the Governor, Secretary Gaunch, and Delegate Rowan for their leadership in helping to make West Virginia so welcoming to everybody, from tourists to businesses across the land. I cannot adequately state what Clearway Energy has meant to Mineral County, our community, our nonprofits, and to the Chamber. Every person from Clearway has gone way out of their way to be a good neighbor and help us, beyond expectations. It’s just fun. Any time I have to deal with Clearway, it’s a good day. So I’m really grateful for just how easy it’s been to work with them and I’m really grateful to the State for doing their part to make this happen. The Chamber supports all forms of energy in West Virginia, and I believe that renewable energy is a bold step toward the future of clean energy.”

Clearway also closed $197 million in construction debt financing, for which Mizuho Bank, Ltd. acted as the coordinating lead arranger and with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), MUFG Bank, Ltd., Santander, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), each acting as mandated lead arrangers. Black Rock is contracted under long-term power purchase agreements with Toyota and AEP Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Electric Power. Both companies are major employers in West Virginia.

“AEP Energy is focused on providing customers with integrated, carbon-free energy supplies that deliver long-term price stability and environmental benefits. Agreements like the one with Clearway Energy Group affirm our vision and demonstrate the energy solutions we can put in place to support the development of new energy resources to boost local economies and help our customers power their homes and businesses with clean, reliable energy,” said Greg Hall, president, AEP Energy.

“Partnering with Clearway to purchase wind energy in West Virginia aligns with our commitment to renewable energy and economic growth in a region where we’ve operated for over 20 years,” said Kevin Butt, senior director of environmental sustainability for Toyota Motor North America. “Black Rock directly contributes to the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 and will help us eliminate carbon emissions from our manufacturing operations.”

ShareTweetSend
Gailyn Markham

Gailyn Markham

Gailyn Markham is a multimedia journalist for Lootpress. She joined the Lootpress staff in November of 2020. Gailyn graduated from Concord University in May of 2019 with a BA in English Journalism and a minor in Sociology. During her time there, she was a staff writer for the school’s newspaper, “The Concordian,” and received the 2019 Outstanding Journalist Award for her work. Before joining the Lootpress team, Gailyn interned for The Register-Herald and, upon completing her internship, was asked to continue working as a freelance writer. She freelanced for the newspaper for two years. A West Virginia native, Gailyn has always been devoted to telling the stories of the Mountain State. When she isn’t working, she enjoys taking advantage of West Virginia’s many outdoor adventures, reading, and renovating her home with her husband, Chris. For news tips or story ideas, email Gailyn at gailynmarkham@lootpress.com. You can also follow her on Facebook.

Don't Miss

Local

Oceana Founders Day and Heritage Festival dates announced

8 hours ago
Photo: Meadow Bridge Public Library
Featured

Meadow Bridge Public Library to close permanently

10 hours ago
Local

Ascential Buildings cuts ribbon at Mount Hope location

10 hours ago

Sign up for our weekly email recap of the week's top stories and be entered to win a $25 Visa gift card weekly.

Select list(s) to subscribe to


Thank you for choosing Lootpress as your news source.

Top Stories

  • All
  • News

Choose the Community Choice Boys Player of the Year!

March 17, 2023

Gallery: Greenbrier East soccer team receives championship rings

March 23, 2023

Prep Football: Hard-working Shiflett realizes college football dream

March 23, 2023
Photo by Tina Laney

Prep Softball Roundup: Wyoming East, Shady and Bluefield earn victories

March 23, 2023
Morgantown's Sha-Ron Young (Heather Belcher/Lootpress)

All-State Basketball: Morgantown’s Young captains Class AAAA boys

March 24, 2023
Load More

Community Calendar

Recent News

Graphic by Heather Belcher

Prep Basketball: Shady’s Braden Chapman repeats as Lootpress Defensive Player of the Year

March 24, 2023

Oceana Founders Day and Heritage Festival dates announced

March 24, 2023
Photo: Meadow Bridge Public Library

Meadow Bridge Public Library to close permanently

March 24, 2023

Lootpress brings you the latest news in Southern West Virginia and around.

Follow Us

Facebook Twitter Youtube

Recent News

Graphic by Heather Belcher

Prep Basketball: Shady’s Braden Chapman repeats as Lootpress Defensive Player of the Year

March 24, 2023

Oceana Founders Day and Heritage Festival dates announced

March 24, 2023
  • About
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

© 2023 Lootpress - Your News, Now! Lootpress.

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Breaking
    • Crime
    • Local
    • National
    • Politics
    • State
    • Virginia News
    • Weather News
  • County News
    • Barbour County
    • Barbour County
    • Berkeley County
    • Boone County
    • Braxton County
    • Buchanan County
    • Cabell County
    • Clay County
    • Greenbrier County
    • Fayette County
    • Jackson County
    • Kanawha County
    • Lewis County
    • Logan County
    • Mason County
    • McDowell County
    • Mercer County
    • Mingo County
    • Monroe County
    • Nicholas County
    • Putnam County
    • Raleigh County
    • Randolph County
    • Randolph County
    • Summers County
    • Wyoming County
  • Sports
    • 2021 Prep Football Tab
    • 2021 Prep Football Playoffs
    • Local Sports
    • College Sports
    • Boys Basketball
    • Girls Basketball
    • Prep Baseball
    • Prep Softball
    • Prep Football
    • Prep Soccer
    • Prep Track and Field
    • Prep Volleyball
    • Golf
    • WVU Tech
  • Lifestyle
    • Birth Announcements
    • Pet of the Week
    • Visit Southern WV Tourism
  • Obituaries
  • Editorials
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Write For Us
    • Contact Us
  • Email Alerts
  • Community Calendar

© 2023 Lootpress - Your News, Now! Lootpress.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist