First Wind granted permit for wind farm

Boston-based First Wind was given permission to build a wind farm in north central Whitman County Monday afternoon.

Hearings Examiner Andrew Kottkamp, a Wenatchee land use attorney, granted the firm a conditional use permit and denied the environmental appeals of 18 neighbors.

The conditional use permit means First Wind can begin acquiring the number of state, local and federal permits required to build up to 65 of the 492-foot tall turbines on Naff Ridge, Granite Butte and Steam Shovel Hill northwest of Oakesdale.

“It’s very exciting news. It’s one step closer to building a project and moving...