Wind-farm opponents in '03 spent
$600,000 more than they raised
BARNSTABLE -- The leading opponents of a massive energy-generating wind farm planned for Nantucket Sound spent about $600,000 more than they raised last year, according to their annual tax filing.
The Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound spent $2.4 million in 2003 while raising $1.7 million in direct public contributions plus $122,000 in a loan that was forgiven. The alliance also carried a $242,000 deficit into 2003.
The alliance received about 2,900 contributions in 2003, said Audra Parker, the group's assistant director. Its top 20 contributors accounted for more than $1 million in donations.
The alliance's expenses included $900,000 in legal fees and $415,000 in advertising, according to records.
Mark Rodgers, communications director for Cape Wind, which has proposed the wind farm, criticized the alliance for not disclosing the names of its biggest donors.
Rodgers said Cape Wind has spent $15 million since 2001. He declined to detail further expenses.
Cape Wind has proposed a 130-turbine wind-power facility that would generate 420 megawatts of electricity annually.
The proposal has drawn opposition from various groups.
The US Army Corps of Engineers is reviewing the $700 million project.
