The Obama administration yesterday announced it will fast-track 14 infrastructure projects across the country as part of its efforts to improve the efficiency of federal reviews. The move aims to help create more jobs sooner by bringing more projects from the drawing board to completion quicker.
Included in the scheme are two wind projects - the 52-wind turbine Cleghorn Ridge Wind Project in the San Bernardino National Forest in California and the 15 2-megawatt turbine Deerfield Wind Power Project in the towns of Searsburg and Readsboro in Vermont.
The scheme was made possible by a presidential memorandum created last August at the recommendation of the Council on Jobs and Competitiveness to speed up infrastructure development.
Mr. Obama directed agencies to expedite environmental reviews and permit decisions for a selection of high priority infrastructure projects that can be completed within 18 months. Expedited projects should also employ a significant number of people and have already identified necessary funding.
The United States Department of Agriculture, U.S. Air Force, and Federal Aviation Commission will complete the review of the Cleghorn wind project in 18 months instead of three years, while the Deerfield wind project can expect to have a final environment impact statement from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service before December.
