FAA: Western Maryland Wind Farm Not an Aviation Hazard

The Federal Aviation Administration says a proposed wind farm on Maryland's highest mountain won't be an aviation hazard.

The Cumberland Times-News reported in its Tuesday edition on the decision regarding Exelon Corp.'s Fair Wind project on Backbone Mountain in Garrett County. The decision becomes final Jan. 27 unless objections are raised by Jan. 17.

Exelon is planning as many as 15 turbines on the mountain ridge about five miles south of Oakland. The FAA says they must be marked with white paint and red lights.

The project would generate 30 megawatts of electricity. The Chicago-based company says it expects to start construction in the spring. The project would start generating electricity in 2015.

Two wind power projects are already operating in western Maryland.