That loss of support apparently led to Noble’s decision to lay off workers and cease further construction and development at the wind parks it is building in eastern Franklin County in the towns of Bellmont and Chateaugay.

Noble Environmental Power lost $7.8 million in 2005, $20.7 million in 2006 and $42.5 million in 2007, according to information supplied to the Securities and Exchange Commission for its initial public offering application.

Noble’s operation in the Town of Altona doesn’t appear to be impacted by the Franklin County layoffs.

Town Supervisor Larry Ross said he just received an update on the progress at Altona’s wind farm on Monday, and nothing was mentioned to him about shutdowns or layoffs.

“I’m sure they’re going to be working because they just finished up the first circuit, and they’re starting up our windmills now.

“I haven’t heard a thing like that, but maybe it’s because we’re farther along and ready to start,” Ross said.

He said some parts and equipment have been brought in from other operations to help Altona get online faster “because we’re so close to being done.”

The Noble Altona Windpark is to be a 97.5-megawatt operation; the combined 85 turbines at the Noble Bellmont Windpark and Noble Chateaugay Windpark are to produce 127.5 megawatts of power a year; and the Noble Clinton and Noble Ellenburg projects are expected to generate 100.5 megawatts and 81 megawatts, respectively.

E-mail Denise A. Raymo at:

draymo@pressrepublican.com