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Developer says wind project deemed aviation navigation hazard, hopes to resolve issue

Synergics anticipates issue to blow over

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

FROSTBURG — A Federal Aviation Administration in-terim determination does not authorize the construction of any of the 24 proposed wind turbines in the Fourmile Ridge wind project in eastern Garrett County because the turbines are presumed to be a hazard to air navigation, according to a letter from the FAA to Synergics, the owner of the project.

The FAA doesn’t approve the construction of the turbines, even at a reduced height.

“There is a potential conflict with an existing but scheduled to be deactivated radar antenna,” said Frank Maisano, a spokesman for the Synergics project. “It is being worked out with the FAA and we anticipate a solution that does not entail moving the turbines or any changes to the project as proposed.”

Synergics intends to enter into commercial operations by Dec. 31.

The Fourmile project development schedule is not expected to be impacted by the FAA interim determination, according to Maisano.

The internal study by the FAA revealed that all 24 wind turbines are within 3 1/2 nautical miles of a Very High Frequency Omni Directional Radio Range and Tactical Air Navigation Aid, known as the Grantsville VOR, located in Avilton.

Interference may occur from large structures or power lines up to 2 nautical miles from the antenna, according to the FAA letter.

However, wind turbines are a special case in that they may cause interference up to 8 nautical miles from the antenna.

The VOR is used as a primary approach for the Garrett County Airport and is used as feeder fix navigation aid for the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport, according to Robert Armstrong, who currently flies for Allegheny Wood Products in Petersburg, W.Va.

Armstrong said that, although VORs are still in use, they are not being used as much as a primary navigation aid due to budget constraints and the existence of GPS.

If more than 60 days elapses since Feb. 5 without a resolution, Synergics will have to reactivate the study by filing a new FAA form, according to the letter.

FAA approval is needed before the county can issue a building permit.

Synergics has submitted both a concept plan and site development plan to the county, which are currently under review.

There is no time frame for the county to complete the review. Both plans are part of the county’s stormwater management ordinance requirements.

In January, Annapolis-based Synergics sought fast-track approval of the project from the Maryland Public Service Commission.

In that filing, Synergics Wind Energy LLC and Fourmile Wind Energy LLC included a request for a waiver of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity requirements for a tap line to serve the project.

On Feb. 6, Synergics and Fourmile Wind Energy filed a revised request for a loop line to serve the project, according to PSC filings.

The revised request is still asking that the waiver be granted by April 1.

The loop line will include two steel, dead-end structures and poles located on a right of way already owned by the Potomac Edison Co.

The revised request also includes a construction cost increase from an estimate between $230,000 and $260,000 to $340,000 and $360,000.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

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Jay Ferguson

Who I Am My name is Jay Ferguson, and I am a lifelong resident of the Deep Creek Lake area. I am also co-owner of the real estate side of Taylor Made. I have been in the real estate business for 21+ years now and I LOVE what I do! I have to say, my career really took off when I co-founded the real estate side of Taylor Made in 2014. Its been an amazing experience, building a real estate company from the ground up and achieving so much so quickly! In August 2016, we purchased Long & Foster Real Estate Deep Creek, where I had started my career in 2000. In 2018, we on-boarded virtually every agent from Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty as they closed up shop and the real estate family grew even more! We now have over 40 sales agents and have expanded to West Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well. Taylor Made is the #1 vacation rental company at Deep Creek with over 475 vacation rental homes, and over one hundred thousand yearly visitors. Its amazing what we have accomplished using the principles of honesty, teamwork and customer service! Personally, my wife Jessica and I enjoy traveling and especially spending time in the outdoors, hiking and exploring the many diverse areas that Garrett County is naturally blessed with. We have raised two wonderful children here, Kayleah (22) and Noah (13). In the summer, we love spending time on the water with friends & family and enjoying the lake life! We are both active in our church, our community & local school activities, and we fill our schedule with plenty of volunteer efforts. I currently serve on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity. I am proud to say that I was named Deep Creek Time’s Favorite ‘Community Champion’ in 2019. I was also named Garrett County Realtor of the Year in 2018-19, as well. I really enjoy promoting my hometown. I am very proud of the resort area that has developed over my lifetime and look forward to growing the area even more! Deep Creek Lake has been described as ‘The Lake Tahoe of the east', and I think that speaks volumes about the potential to own property here! Deep Creek Lake isn't really a town or city by itself; it's comprised of three towns: Oakland, Swanton & McHenry, Maryland. I am very passionate about my hometown and am impressed with how many people know about it as we travel around the country. Deep Creek Lake is an amazing place to visit and even better place to live! During the pandemic in 2020, our market exploded and more and more people left their primary residence in the city to live here permanently. With distance learning in schools and tele-commuting becoming the ‘norm’, many more people were drawn to the area to ‘live where they love to play’. Why You Want Me Working for You: In addition to being an owner, I am consistently one of the top-producing agents in the entire area and the Associate Broker of record for Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales. I have 21+ years of experience and I am a problem solver. There aren’t many situations that I have not encountered and I have a strategy for almost every scenario that you may encounter. I have extensively trained in all areas of real estate & emerging technologies, and also have trained as an appraiser, as well as served as a full-time Broker. I have a strong knowledge of the industry, as well as many trusted local contacts & affiliations that allow me to perform at a very high level and deliver results. I have a great deal of respect for my peers in this industry and have strong working relationships that I would love to put to work for you. Call me to discuss your situation - I know I can be of great service to you & others you care about! Honesty. Integrity. Results.

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