(Estherville)– The Wind Energy and Turbine Technology Program at Iowa Lakes Community College is in for some federal funding.
U-S Senator Tom Harkin says 500-thousand dollars has been allocated in the Fiscal Year 2005 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.
Harkin secured the funds as the ranking Democrat of the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee.
The bill awaits the President’s signature.
Total cost of the NM 82 Vestas Wind Turbine is two million dollars. Delivery is expected in late January with construction to follow. It’s expected that the turbine will be commissioned and ready to operate about a month later. The tower will be 230 feet tall with the blade extending to 375 feet. It will be located south of the college on South 19th Street.
The new Wind Energy and Turbine Technology Program is the first in the state of Iowa. Classes began this fall with 13 students enrolled.
The program calls for students to take three semesters of courses to receive a diploma; or five semester of classes to receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree.
Students will be trained in construction, maintenance and repair as well as operation of wind turbines.
