Virginia’s first onshore wind farm is no longer just a vision. The Rocky Forge Wind Project, located along North Mountain in Botetourt County, is now visibly under construction — with turbines already standing as the project moves closer to producing power later this year.

Residents and local leaders in Botetourt County are once again raising questions about transparency and public involvement as the community navigates major development projects, including a proposed Google data center and the Rocky Forge Wind Project.

BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. After more than four hours, the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors approved the Rocky Forge Wind Farm project at a public hearing on Tuesday night. The vote was 3-2 in favor of approving the project, which includes no more than 22 turbines up to 680 feet in height, according to Apex Energy. Botetourt County will have the first wind farm in Virginia. This is a project 10 News has covered extensively:May 12, 2020: Botetourt Planning Commission OKs taller windmills, now onto Board of SupervisorsMay 8, 2020: Botetourt County Planning Commission to consider wind ordinance on MondayMarch 10, 2020: Botetourt County leaders review community feedback, still yet to decide on taller wind turbinesFebruary 11, 2020: Proposed Botetourt County wind farm needs new approval as plans change to make turbines tallerOctober 18, 2019: Up to 250 jobs, at least $20 million coming to Botetourt County thanks to wind project