By Theo Emery, AP
BOSTON - Town leaders in the Cape Cod community of Yarmouth have long been on record opposing the wind farm proposed for the waters off its beaches, even passing a resolution two years ago expressing their disapproval for the plan to erect 130 wind turbines in Nantucket Sound.
But the Yarmouth Board of Selectmen also quietly negotiated with Cape Wind Associates for a raft of benefits worth millions. If the $700 million project gets federal and state approval, underwater transmission lines would come ashore in Yarmouth and tie into the electrical grid.
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While the board's stance was against the turbines from the start, the town hired an attorney to negotiate with Cape Wind, and the deal was sealed in July of 2003. Yarmouth is the only town to strike such a deal with the company.
The deal calls for Cape Wind to pay $25,000 for road construction oversight; $125,000 for improvements to Englewood Beach, where the lines would come ashore; $250,000 a year in lieu of taxes; and $100,000 a year for charitable causes of the board's choosing.
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The deal also includes some caveats the town insisted on during substantial negotiations between the two sides. For instance, there is language indicating the deal should not be construed as Yarmouth's endorsement of the project, and may not be used for advertising.
Both sides agree that there's no contradiction in negotiating over the nuts and bolts of the project, even as town leaders continue to register their disapproval.
Oh ya.... The "blue" dominated state is quick to cry "big bad oil" and "power to alternative power". Just as long as it isn't within sight of their upscale homes.
Then again, one has to laugh at the irony of the residents of the posh island going sans power for the second day.
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