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Seneca Nation begins construction of $6 million wind turbine

Chris Caya WBFO News

The winds off of Lake Erie are going to help move the Seneca Nation of Indians towards energy independence. Tribal leaders kicked off construction of a new wind turbine on Wednesday.

The $6 million project, just off Route 5 in Irving, was launched with a brief ceremony that included Seneca Nation Treasurer Todd Gates.  

Credit Chris Caya WBFO News
Seneca Nation Treasurer Todd Gates

"Over the lifetime of this project we expect to reap a lot of benefits from it. Not only financially, but economically and environmentally," Gates said.

The wind turbine is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 86 million pounds. Gates says electric customers on the Cattaraugus Territory will save about $25 a month on their bill.

He says a solar array project is also being planned on the Seneca's Allegany Territory.