A MidAmerican Energy representative gave the Board of Supervisors a construction update on the county wind project, saying the project is about half complete and that turbine deliveries and foundation work are winding down.

John Hovdeer, a MidAmerican Energy representative, told supervisors "There are 54 total wind turbines to be constructed. There are 22 that are completely constructed. Now they're not commissioned, so they're not spinning yet, but they are up fully." He said there are not yet any fully complete turbines in Page County but that work in the county's southwest corner is advanced. Hovdeer said component deliveries should taper off in the next two weeks and that foundation concrete work is largely finished across the project area, so heavy concrete truck traffic will decline.

Hovdeer said the project may see an increase in crane crossings in the near term as construction progresses and that site restoration work in Page County could continue into spring. He also said the company is working to obtain FCC registration for an aircraft detection lighting system (ADLS) and aims for an October approval, with a hope to commission turbines by the end of the year.

Why it matters: The update signals a transition from heavy component deliveries and foundation work to final tower and blade commissioning and site restoration. County officials and residents have raised road and traffic impacts, and the engineer reported some local roads remain under restoration schedules tied to the project.

What comes next: MidAmerican will continue coordination with county staff on crossings and restoration schedules and will pursue required regulatory approvals for lighting systems and commissioning.