Rep. Kirkpatrick Joins Interior Secretary to Help Dedicate Dry Lake Wind Power Project

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13 October 2009 -- HOLBROOK, AZ – Representative Ann Kirkpatrick helped dedicate the new Dry Lake Wind Power Project in Heber today, joining Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and folks from across Navajo County. To mark the opening of the first commercial-scale wind farm in Arizona, Rep. Kirkpatrick delivered a speech on the potential of renewable energy for District One and pledged to help encourage the growth of the industry in Washington.

The Congresswoman has focused her efforts in her first few months in Congress on economic recovery, and she emphasized the impact that the Dry Lake Wind Power Project has had on the daily lives of folks in the area. Building the wind farm put 200 people back to work in local communities and indirectly created many more jobs in a county where unemployment is above the state average.

The project will also be a source of affordable energy for as many as 15,000 homes, reducing utility bills and keeping more money in the wallets of Arizona families.

“The Dry Lake Wind Power Project has been a shot in the arm for us at a time when plenty of folks are struggling,” said Rep. Kirkpatrick in her prepared remarks. “This project has helped get our economy back on track and lays the groundwork for more growth in the years to come.

“The wind farm demonstrates the potential that clean, renewable energy has for our state and our country. It is a good first step and there are more to come. This project is leading the way for an industry that will re-energize Arizona and our economy.”

Rep. Kirkpatrick has been a longtime supporter of renewable energy development in the state, and cited the wind farm as showing how we can make progress on many of our national priorities at once. Along with helping pull us out of the economic downturn and providing an inexpensive energy supply, the Congresswoman highlighted how the project could promote energy independence and cut emissions.

“I am dedicated to developing a diverse range of energy sources that will address climate change and protect our national security while reducing energy prices and bringing jobs to this district,” said Rep. Kirkpatrick in her prepared remarks. “This project is an example of a cost-effective way for us to free ourselves from our dependence on foreign oil and benefit our economy.

“As we work towards real economic recovery, we must focus on clearing the obstacles that stand in the way of this progress.”

In the state legislature, Rep. Kirkpatrick endorsed tax credits to help encourage the growth of the renewable energy industry. She also worked to expand broadband coverage in Greater Arizona to make it easier for clean energy companies and other businesses to set up shop. The Congresswoman will be seeking new ways to aid projects like the Dry Lake wind farm in the coming months.

Source: Representative Ann Kirkpatrick