Mortenson Construction was recently selected by San Francisco-based developer, NaturEner, for the construction of the Rim Rock Wind Project. Located on nearly 21,000 acres approximately 20 miles north of NaturEner's Glacier I and 2 Wind projects, previously constructed by Mortenson, Rim Rock will generate189-megawatts of wind power - enough energy to power approximately 66,000 homes.

Mortenson is responsible for the design and construction of access roads, foundations, erection of 126 Acciona 1.5-megawatt turbines, overhead and underground electrical collection system, (2) 230kV substations, the generator tie line, and an O and M facility.

Construction began late October, proceeding through the winter months and is expected to be complete in October, 2012.

Montana's wind attributes are unique to the industry. According to AWEA, the state is ranked third in the US for potential wind generating capacity, with more than 944,000 megawatts available for production.

This much wind energy could produce more than 210 times the state's current electricity needs.

Along with Montana's vast wind resources, the siting for this project was selected because of the ease of access to the property and the business-friendly development atmosphere in this part of Montana.

"Mortenson is excited and pleased to have been selected by NaturEner to construct their third project in the area. We are also very excited to return to the communities where our team members and community members had such a positive experience constructing the Glacier I and 2 Wind projects," said Kevin Deters, a general manager for Mortenson's Renewable Energy Groups