Albany County renews Rail Tie wind project permit despite opposition; 2-1 vote

The Albany County Board of County Commissioners voted 2-1 on June 16 to renew the Rail Tie Wind Energy Project permit WECS-01-21 for five years, setting the new expiration date as July 13, 2031. Commissioners Gosar and Jones voted in favor; Commissioner Hoff opposed the renewal.

According to the staff report, ConnectGen Albany County LLC had "substantially commenced" construction on the project before federal litigation paused work, and the company continues to invest resources and coordinate with permitting agencies. The staff analysis concluded the project remains viable and cited a revised completion date of December 2029.

The minutes record there were "various comments against and in favor" the renewal during the public comment period; the transcript does not attribute those comments to named speakers in the record. The renewal motion by Commissioner Gosar incorporated the staff analysis and the applicant's June 4, 2026 letter from ConnectGen Albany County LLC and a June 11, 2026 letter from Kelley H. Pearson updating the federal litigation schedule.

The motion carried on roll call with Gosar and Jones recorded as voting aye and Hoff recorded as opposed. No amendments to the permit terms were recorded in the minutes. The board did not record specific conditions imposed beyond incorporation of the staff analysis and the applicant's responses.

The renewal preserves the county permit while the referenced federal litigation and market or regulatory uncertainties proceed toward resolution. The board adjourned without further action on the matter.