Landowners and local leaders on Tuesday celebrated the beginning of the construction of the Kingman Wind Energy Center. The site is near the city of Kingman, about 45 minutes west of Wichita.
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and other leaders participated in the event, where they signed a 150-foot wind turbine blade that will be used in the project.
John DiDonato, vice president of wind development for Next-Era Energy Resources, says the project will help sustain Kingman County economically and provide clean, renewable energy for generations of Kansans to come.
At 200 megawatts, the wind farm will produce enough energy for about 50,000 Kansas homes. Westar Energy will purchase electricity from the wind farm, which NextEra Energy Resources will develop and operate.
The Kingman wind project is expected to be in operation by the end of this year.
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Carla Eckels is assistant news director and the host of Soulsations. Follow her on Twitter @Eckels.
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