UNION COUNTY, N.M. (KFDA) – The New Mexico Land Office has leased almost 8,000 acres of public land between Clayton and Raton to a German wind energy developer.
The office announced on Friday the company, PNE USA, will pair the land in Union and Colfax counties with about the same amount of private land for a wind farm project.
It also said the deal should generate about $8 million for the state over the course of the lease. Any money paid to the state will go to a variety of programs including public schools, hospitals and water conservation projects.
Source KFDA https://www.newschannel10.com/2019/12/26/new-mexico-announces-wind-farm-project-between-clayton-raton/
According to the New Mexico Land Office Facebook page:
“We’ve awarded 7,636 acres to PNE USA Inc. for the Gladstone Wind Farm, coming to Union and Colfax Counties. This year we have given the green light to three wind projects across the state, more than have been awarded in the last four years combined, doubling the future production of renewable energy on state trust land. The Office of Renewable Energy is powering ahead to process all of the pending renewable energy applications in our office, intent on assuring the State Land Office maximizes our potential for clean energy. When these projects happen on state trust land, New Mexico public schools and other institutions benefit.”
The Associated Press announced Xcel Energy will begin construction on another wind project for our state near Portales, NM. “The 522-megawatt Sagamore Wind Project will be the largest single wind facility in New Mexico by the time it’s completed late next year.”
“This is a historic investment for Roosevelt County, but its benefits reach far beyond,” said David Hudson, president of Xcel Energy – New Mexico, Texas. “We’ll see a significant economic boost to the New Mexico economy through increased jobs, royalty payments to landowners, and more revenue for county and school budgets.”
We are excited to see what kind of positive impact this could make to our area with jobs and increased economic revenue to Colfax and Union counties.
