White House Picks Searsburg Wind Facility As Priority

Staff ReportsiBerkshires
02:24PM / Tuesday, October 11, 2011Print Story | Email Story

STAMFORD, Vt. — The wind turbine expansion on Searsburg Mountain has been selected by the Obama administration as one of 14 infrastructure projects across the country for expeditious permitting.

According to a press release from the White House, President Obama has "directed agencies to expedite environmental reviews and permit decisions for a selection of high priority infrastructure projects that will create a significant number of jobs, have already identified necessary funding, and where the significant steps remaining before construction are within the control and jurisdiction of the federal government and can be completed within 18 months."

The Deerfield Wind/Searsburg Expansion Project in the Green Mountain National Forest would add 15 two-megawatt turbines to the 6 MW facility. The expansion is estimated to generate enough power for up to 14,000 homes.

Deerfield Wind LLC has applied for a special use permit to use public lands under the management of the Forest Service. The issuance of the permit is a federal action that requires review under National Environmental Policy Act. USDA Forest Service is working to expedite a Final Environmental Impact Statement before December 2011.

The announcement comes as a result of the Presidential Memorandum issued in late August at the recommendation of his Council on Jobs and Competitiveness.

The federal reviews will not supersede local or state permitting, however, the council has stated that improving the efficiency and effectiveness of federal permit decisions and environmental reviews is a critical step to accelerate job creation.

Tags: Searsburg, wind power,

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North Adams City Council Seeking Candidates for Vacated Seat

Staff reportsiBerkshires
08:28PM / Wednesday, October 28, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City Council is accepting letters of interest to fill the seat being vacated by Councilor Alexa Macdonald.

Macdonald was elected in 2025 for the two-year term but is moving out of the area. Her resignation is effective on Sunday, Nov. 1. The person selected to replace her will serve out the final year of her term.

"We are asking that individuals interested in filling the vacancy or being considered submit a letter of interest to the city clerk and myself, outlining the reasons for seeking the position, along with a current resume and any other additional information they feel relevant," said Council President Ashley Shade. "Previous experience in elected office is not required. The deadline for submitting letters of interest and supporting materials is Wednesday, Nov. 4th, at noon, which is also our deadline for submitting items to our agenda."

Communications should be sent ashade@northadams-ma.gov and City Clerk Tina Leonesio at tleonesio@northadams-ma.gov. If desired, candidates can email the entire council at citycouncil@northadams-ma.gov.

Shade made the announcement at Tuesday's council meeting, noting the process is outlined in the council's rules of order and aligned with the city charter.

The candidates will be able to speak for themselves at the meeting of Nov. 10, when the council will vote on Macdonald's replacement.

"All candidates will be nominated, and then we will have a vote," Shade said. "It'll be roll call, which is in our rules, and we will name the person that we're voting for by roll call, that's how the voting will happen."

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