Minn. tribe to dedicate wind turbine plant

The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is investing in a new type of wind turbine designed for use by homes and businesses.

On Thursday, tribal officials plan to dedicate a new manufacturing plant where workers will make a part for the Windspire. That's a vertical-axis wind turbine made by Reno, Nev.-based Mariah Power.

The parts will be shipped to a Michigan plant, where they'll be assembled.

Through its investment in Mariah Power, the Mille Lacs Band will be the exclusive distributor for any Indian reservation buying a Windspire turbine.

A Windspire is 30 feet tall and spins on a vertical axis unlike the larger turbines seen on wind farms.

The reservation plans to use a Windspire turbine to power the District II Community Center in McGregor.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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