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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) The North Dakota Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing in Ashley on Thursday, March 19 regarding a proposal for revisions to the Merricourt Wind Power Project. The hearing was suppose to be held January 22 but was rescheduled for Thursday, March 19 at 11 a.m. inside the Ashley City Hall.

EDF Renewable Development, Inc. (formerly enXco Development Corporation) received approval from the PSC for the site permit in June 2011, which is valid for four years.

The original permit authorized construction of the 150 MW wind project consisting of up to 100 GE 1.5-megawatt turbines. The company is now requesting a revision to that permit and is instead planning on using 75 Vestas 2-megawatt turbines. The proposed revisions will also reduce the project area from 22,457 acres to 10,960 acres.

The project would straddle McIntosh and Dickey counties in southeastern North Dakota. The wind farm would also include approximately 29 miles of access roads and approximately 37 miles of underground electrical collector cables. 

Any comments from members of the public must be received at the hearing to be part of the record. People with concerns, questions or support for the project are encouraged to attend the hearing and present the information.

The hearing schedule provides for the company to present its case and answer questions from the Commissioners first, after which the Commission will take comments from other parties and the public.