PLATTSBURGH -- Clinton Community College wants a role in the alternative-energy business.

CCC's Board of Trustees approved a resolution for a new program in wind energy and turbine technology, which will result in an associate in applied science degree.

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The program, developed by math/science professor Janice Padula, came about as a work-force initiative designed to address alternative-energy careers in the area because of the growing need for trained technicians.

"With wind energy as the largest-growing industry in the world, the college is in a perfect position to offer the program and begin teaching the necessary courses," Padula said.

NCCC GRANT

CCC joins North Country Community College as the only schools in the area that will offer such training.

Earlier this month, Noble Environmental Power of Connecticut pledged to provide a $50,000 development grant to NCCC to design a two-year degree and training program in alternative energy. The main focus there will initially be on wind-power-generation training to address the growing demand in Franklin County's job market.

Future plans for the program include tracks in hydropower generation and solar energy.

LOCAL GROWTH

The erection of wind turbines locally inspired the CCC project.

Noble Environmental Power's Clinton and Ellenburg wind parks are up and running.

The $360 million investment has created jobs and will help reduce taxes while generating enough clean energy to power 60,000 homes -- not necessarily locally -- and bringing an estimated $231 million in revenue to the rural economy over the next 20 years.

There are projects under way in Altona and Chateaugay and plans for possible wind parks in Burke and Brandon. Residents have been concerned about a wind project proposed for Beekmantown.

New York wants to have 25 percent of all state electricity coming from renewable energy within five years.