MW of new projects have been announced by project development companies. Most of the projects either completed this year or announced for the next few years are driven by or at least are benefitting from ARRA provisions.The relationship between the newly implemented policies and robust project activity is evidenced both in the numbers and through informal feedback from developers. Just since the July 9 announcement, 200 MW have been completed, construction has started on over 400 MW, financing has closed on 100 MW, and another 550 MW have been announced. These projects would equate to $2.5 billion in new investment. Moreover, several large wind power project development companies said that their entire 2009 portfolios would have been reassessed had ARRA not passed. According to Horizon Wind Energy, owned by EDP Renewables, the passage of the stimulus bill allowed the company to accelerate its 2009 projects currently under construction, totaling 501 MW. In addition, Horizon has advanced the construction schedule for its 99-MW Meadow Lake II Wind Farm in Indiana. Horizon also completed construction and has started operations of its 101-MW Rail Splitter Wind Farm in Illinois and 97-MW Wheat Field Wind Farm in Oregon. All together, these projects, which total 798 MW, are driving creation of over 600 direct construction jobs and represents an investment of over $1.5 billion.Developer E.On also said that all of its 2009 projects are moving forward because of the stimulus bill. Including completed and under construction projects, E.On has a portfolio for 2009 of 878 MW, representing an investment of $1.75 billion and over 600 direct construction jobs in Pennsylvania and Texas. Iberdrola Renewables, meanwhile, stated that it plans to bring online around 850 MW of wind energy installations in 2009, a project pipeline that could be eligible for $400 million to $500 million in Treasury aid over the coming months. Several projects were singled out as being driven by ARRA provisions, including the bonus depreciation extension piece of the legislation as well as the provision that allows developers to take an ITC in the form of a Treasury grant.Wind Capital Group started construction early on what will be the largest wind farm in the state of Missouri, the 150-MW Lost Creek Wind Farm, the power from which will go to Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. The electric transformers going into the projects 100 GE Energy 1.5-MW turbines will be built by United Auto Worker employees at the ABB manufacturing plant in Jefferson City.Duke Energy responded that the 42-MW Silver Sage project was positively impacted by the ARRA. The extension of 50% bonus depreciation into 2009 allowed the company to proceed with the project. The wind farm features 20 2.1-MW Suzlon turbines.Manufacturers Still Await Market Signal In spite of the positive news that the stimulus bill has brought to the wind industry, most see it as a vital stop-gap but not a long-term solution. Manufacturers in particular are still looking for the longer-term market signals that will encourage them to make manufacturing investments. While AWEA manufacturing members are reporting a reduced number of orders for wind turbines and