NOT JUST HOT AIR

By KILEY WELLENDORF
k.wellendorf@carrollspaper.com

GRAND JUNCTION — Former Democratic Virginia Sen. Jim Webb paid a visit Monday morning to the Rippey Wind Farm as he continues to test the waters for a presidential bid.

“If you look at the candidates right now,” he said, “I feel like I’m at a bakery, take a number slot, to see whether or not I can order my pastry.”

The local wind farm is owned and operated by De Soto-based RPM Access, a regional developer of utility-grade wind generation projects in the Midwest.

Since its beginning in 2000, the company has put up more than 18 percent of Iowa’s wind capacity.

The former senator was welcomed by RPMA employees and given a tour of the facility.

“I know this part of America pretty well,” Webb said. “I actually went to high school in Nebraska, so it’s good to be back.”

Webb could soon be a familiar face in this part of America, confirming that he will decide by the end of the month whether to run for president.

The recipient of the Navy Cross and Silver Star during his time in Vietnam as a Marine company commander, Webb also served as Secretary of the Navy under President Ronald Reagan.

Kirk Kraft and Jim Dimond, project developers for RPMA, toured the facility Monday with the former senator.

Dimond spoke to him about different aspects of the company, including the struggle with environment restrictions.

“We’ve seen a lot of this. Environmental protection is a goal, but the process has become really dilatory over the past six to seven years,” Webb said.

Webb also got the chance to visit a nearby wind tower turbine.

Webb was given the option of traveling to the top by elevator, but declined the 15-minute trip to the top due to limited time.

The wind turbine towers stand at 328 feet.

Construction of a wind turbine takes several weeks.