State Rep. Burns to host town hall meeting to gather information on proposed wind farm

State Rep. Frank Burns (D-Cambria) recently announced that he would hold a town hall meeting to gather facts about a wind farm proposed by the Greater Johnstown Water Authority.

The meeting will be held on Dec. 12 at Westmont Hilltop High School in Johnstown.

Burns invited officials from the Greater Johnstown Water Authority, which leased a tract of land in Upper Yoder for the wind farm, and Maryland-based Competitive Power Ventures (CPV), the wind energy developer.

Burns noted that little information has been made available regarding the size, scope, impact or timeline for the project.

“People deserve to have their voices heard and to be part of the planning process before an unknown number of giant windmills are constructed along the Laurel Ridge,” Burns said. “Our region cherishes outdoor recreation such as hunting, hiking, biking, and skiing. The addition of these turbines could have a devastating impact on tourism, an industry that’s vital to our local economy.”

In a court order this month, a Cambria County judge approved changes to the water authority’s deed of trust to allow it to enter into a lease agreement with CPV to develop the windmill farm.

“There was no publicity for this court decision, and residents feel like the water authority is pushing this project through in secret,” Burns said. “Before we corrupt one of our greatest natural resources, people deserve to know what the true cost is to the community.”