Botetourt County leaders and state officials gathered Saturday at the Rocky Forge Wind project site to celebrate what they say will be a long-term investment in the county’s economy, energy future and tax base as construction continues on Virginia’s first land-based wind farm.
Speaking before a crowd of local residents, business leaders, landowners and project supporters, Botetourt County Board of Supervisors Chairman Mac Scothorn said Rocky Forge Wind represents a historic partnership that will bring lasting benefits to the county.
“We are proud to celebrate the construction of Virginia’s first onshore wind farm and grateful to Apex Clean Energy for choosing Botetourt County as the home of this historic project,” Scothorn said. “Rocky Forge Wind reflects the strength of partnership, innovation and long-term investment in our community.”
Delegate Terry Austin, who represents Botetourt County in the Virginia House of Delegates, said the project will help strengthen Virginia’s energy security while supporting economic development throughout the region.
“Virginia’s energy future depends on an all-of-the-above strategy,” Austin said. “Projects like Rocky Forge diversify our energy portfolio, strengthen reliability and help meet growing demand.”
Austin noted that Virginia currently imports a significant portion of the electricity it consumes and said projects such as Rocky Forge can help improve energy independence while making the Commonwealth more attractive to employers seeking renewable energy resources.
The remarks came during a ceremonial blade-signing event hosted by Apex Clean Energy at the North Mountain construction site northeast of Eagle Rock. Following the program, attendees signed their names on a 254-foot turbine blade that will soon be installed as part of the project.
The Rocky Forge Wind facility consists of 13 wind turbines capable of generating 79.3 megawatts of electricity. The project, developed by Charlottesville-based Apex Clean Energy, is expected to begin commercial operations by the end of the year.
According to Apex, the facility is projected to generate up to $25 million in new property tax revenue for Botetourt County during its operating life. Company officials also reported that nearly $40 million has been spent with Virginia businesses during construction.
“As a homegrown Virginia-based company, we couldn’t be prouder to see Rocky Forge Wind under construction as Virginia’s first wind project,” Apex CEO Ken Young said. “It takes a strong team to do this work, and we’re grateful for the long-term partnerships that made today possible.”
Photos courtesy of Apex Clean Energy
Much of the project is being built on privately owned land leased by local landowners, including Jerry Fraley, who has spent nearly two decades pursuing the vision of bringing commercial wind energy to Virginia.
“I’m the third generation from my family to be in the energy business,” Fraley said. “In that time, I’ve moved from mining the coal beneath our feet to harvesting the wind from the skies above our heads.”
Fraley thanked local supporters, elected officials, businesses and family members who helped move the project from concept to construction.
Construction is being led by Mountain Crane and includes work from numerous Virginia contractors, including Faulconer Construction. Project officials said approximately 160 workers have contributed more than 250,000 labor hours to the effort.
In addition to its economic impact, Apex has awarded more than $50,000 to local nonprofit organizations and community causes through its Community Grant Program.
The project’s 13 turbines are expected to be fully erected this summer, with Rocky Forge Wind beginning to generate electricity for Virginia’s power grid later this year.
As construction continues through the summer, county residents will begin seeing the turbines take shape atop North Mountain. Those interested in learning more about the project and its progress can find additional information through Apex Clean Energy and Botetourt County economic development resources.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
