MSU gets federal funding to help study wind speeds

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan State University will receive $83,806 to measure wind speeds in five areas around the state.

The state says in a release Thursday that the project is designed to assess Michigan's wind energy potential and encourage job growth in that industry.

Michigan State will install anemometers on public safety communications towers in Gratiot, Delta, Antrim, Mason and Hillsdale counties. The new information will help create a wind power map for Michigan, identifying and promoting areas best suited for wind power development.

Data collected in other Midwest states indicates current measurements may underestimate Michigan's wind energy potential.

The project is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.