Construction is underway on the Rocky Forge Wind Project, Virginia’s first land-based wind farm, located in Botetourt County.

Construction has begun in Botetourt County to build a wind farm, with the farm being fully operational by 2026.

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

BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – Botetourt County leaders are still considering whether to allow wind turbines taller than they originally approved five years ago. This after the company behind the county's first proposed wind farm, Apex Energy, said the Rocky Forge Wind Farm needs to be taller than originally planned. Originally approved in 2015, it took Apex four years to find a buyer for the electricity it would produce. The county originally approved height of 550 feet for wind turbines. Planning Commission chairman Brandon Nicely said they continue to review all feedback and county leaders will be taking more site tours of other currently operating wind farms.