KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Both the sun and the Governor were missing from Kodiak Electric’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the wind turbines on Pillar Mountain Friday. And earlier in the morning, it looked like the wind and rain were going to win their fight with the tent crew. But the tent went up, the cakes made it up the mountain without incident and most of the VIPs arrived in time for the event. The wind and the rain along with the fog on the mountain, reminded KEA’s Darren Scott of the many obstacles on the way to getting the Pillar Mountain wind turbines operational. He had words of thanks and praise for everyone involved in the project.
Senator Gary Stevens, Representative Alan Austerman and Representative John Harris of Valdez spoke at today’s event. The Borough and City Mayors were among the speakers as were some members of KEA’s Board of Directors. Governor Sean Parnell was scheduled to attend but was delayed due to the weather. Also missing due to the weather was the Coast Guard’s scheduled flyover.
None of that seemed to matter to the ceremony attendees. It was the windmills themselves and the people who brought them into being that were the big stars on Pillar Mountain today.
The Governor is expected to arrive in Kodiak this evening for a reception in his honor hosted by the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce.
