Wind power developer gets funding for R.I. testing

PROVIDENCE—A developer hoping to build a massive wind farm off the Rhode Island coast has received a federal grant to study the activity of local birds and bats.

Deepwater Wind LLC will receive nearly $300,000 from the Department of Energy to study the transit of birds and bats near Block Island. Deepwater Chief Operating Officer Chris Wissemann said Monday the study is necessary to make sure the proposed wind turbines do not interfere with wildlife.

His firm hopes to build two windfarms in Rhode Island.

The first would consist of five to eight turbines to power Block Island. It would stand about three miles off the island.

A second, larger project involving around 100 turbines is planned for at least 15 miles offshore.