LAS VEGAS -- A medium-scale wind energy project in Searchlight, Nev., is a step closer to being built.
In a statement Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar approved the 200-Megawatt wind project that would be built on public land.
This would be the second utility-scale wind energy project to be allowed in Nevada.
The permanent wind farm will be located on 163 acres and the wind turbines are designed to stand 415-feet tall, according to the Bureau of Land Management.
"Nevada is fortunate that its sunny skies, strong winds, and geothermal resources provides us an opportunity to brighten our economic future and transform the Silver State into the vibrant core of a Western and national clean energy market," Reid said in the statement. "I will continue to support and facilitate efforts that help to identify the best locations for utility scale renewable energy projects to be sited on federal lands and will closely monitor the progress on this and the other clean energy projects in Nevada."
MAP: Searchlight Wind Energy Project
The project was originally designed to harvest 300 Megawatts in wind energy, but was scaled back after the town's residents objected to the scope of the development, the National Wind Watch reported last year.
The project would provide enough power for about 70,000 homes and create 275 temporary jobs during its construction. Once operating, it would create 15 full- and part-time jobs and is expected to generate $18.6 million in property and sales tax, the BLM said.
The project still needs to receive a right-of-way grant, according to the Interior Department.
