MidAmerican Energy says foundation work continues; FAA/FCC approvals still pending

MidAmerican Energy project staff updated the Board of Supervisors on foundation and delivery timelines for the county's wind project and said federal clearances remain the last major outstanding step. "All the erection activities that are going on are still happening in Fremont right now. It's probably gonna be the August now, we're thinking, for the components to arrive in Page County," a MidAmerican representative said, reporting foundation work, rebar and excavations are under way. Kelsey, a MidAmerican project representative, addressed construction‑traffic controls and equipment: "We do use rollers any place we, make changes to the gravel...as we make those changes, disturb that dirt, the roller just helps compact and make, that road tight and ready for both the regular travel and those turbine component deliveries." She added that turbine components generally travel from the interstate directly to their individual sites under DOT permits, rather than all routing through a single laydown yard. On federal clearances, Kelsey said the project "got some of the FAA permits" but not all FCC approvals; she described recent technical issues between the two federal agencies' websites that have delayed the final step. "We are filing kind of the last step for that FCC process, which includes, like, a 30 day notice period. And so we're hoping to get results from the FCC here in the next 30 to 45 days, which will be the last piece before we, apply for, like, the building permit, entrance permit, and, utility permits associated with that tower," she said. Board members asked whether turbine deliveries had been passing through town; MidAmerican staff acknowledged deliveries have come from both east and west and said DOT permits govern interstate hauling. No formal county permits were approved at the meeting, and staff did not present a proposed change to county policy or an item requiring a vote.