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.
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Weekend Outlook: Get Outside This Holiday Weekend
iBerkshires Staff
Enjoy the peak of the fall season this weekend before the weather turns frosty!
Editor's Pick
Mt. Greylock Ramble/RambleFest
All Around Adams Oct. 9–12
Massachusetts' highest peak is the centerpiece of a weekend-long celebration of autumn in the Berkshires. A live performance by comedian Jason Salmon on Friday, Oct. 9, and the Big in the Berkshires local music showcase on Saturday, Oct. 10, both will kick off the weekend at The Adams Theater. This year's RambleFest celebration will be held Sunday, Oct. 11, from noon to 5 p.m. p.m. at the Adams Visitor Center, located at 3 Hoosac St. in Adams. This free event will feature live music, food and drink, vendors, children's activities, sight-seeing trains, and more. The 58th annual Mt. Greylock Ramble, a hike along the Cheshire Harbor Trail to the summit of Mount Greylock, will take place Monday, Oct. 12. This 6.6-mile, round-trip hike that is moderately strenuous and can take four to five hours, but the spectacular views at the 3,491-foot summit are worth the effort. The first 2,000 hikers will receive certificates of accomplishment. A free shuttle from the Adams Visitor Center to the trailhead runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with return shuttle until 4 p.m. Very limited parking will be available near the trailhead, so use of the shuttle is strongly encouraged.
"Celebrating Jewish Plays" features three readings presented over three evenings during the holiday weekend. Live poetry, speakers, musical performances, and more have been added to this year's celebration. Multishow weekend passes are also available; tickets are $30 to $100.
Closing Reception for 'Terra Mater'
Hotel Downstreet, 40 Main St., North Adams
6–8 p.m.
These nature-inspired ink, cyanotype, and mixed-media works by artists Joan Ryan, Livia Linden, Carissa Toomey and Alicia Canary are curated by Anna Salmeron.
'Goosebumps' Party
Lenox Library, Lenox
3:30–5 p.m.
As part of Banned Books Week, the library invites the public to celebrate the birthday of prolific author R.L. with a Goosebumps Party with crafts, food, and fun. Create neon marker art, slime, and listen to scary stories. Free for all ages.
American Stories Curator Talks
Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge
9:30 a.m.
Spend a morning with curators exploring Norman Rockwell Museum's expansive and thought-provoking exhibition commemorating 250 years of America. Each session will focus on a theme drawn from the exhibition. This program occurs before public opening hours, providing a unique opportunity for reflection and enjoyment of the exhibition.
Planetarium Show
Milham Planetarium,Williams College, Williamstown
8–9 p.m.
Weekly planetarium shows are held on Friday nights at the Milham Planetarium to see all that night sky has to offer, from mythology to astrophysics and cosmology.
The 13th president of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts was formally installed on Saturday and challenged the college community to "love your students to success."
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The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will hold a grievance hearing with the Tenants Association to discuss retaliatory actions allegedly committed by the executive director. click for more
The brisket contest actually started at about 10:30 p.m. on Thursday night, as some smokers — like the North Adams Fire Department — fired up their charcoal for the long cooking process.
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