YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The skyline over Youngstown State University will have a new appearance. Plans are moving forward to erect two 80-foot high wind turbines on campus. The turbines will be built behind Melnick Hall, east of Wick Avenue and south of the service road.

Bids are being sought for the project which was first planned two years ago as part of a $1-million dollar grant from the Department of Energy. Plans were sidetracked over concerns that the turbines would be a detriment to the Wick Historic Neighborhood, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

YSU STEM College Dean, Dr. Martin Abraham tells 21 News that an agreement was worked out after meetings with representatives of the neighborhood association, as well as state and federal officials.

Abraham says the project is designed primarily for research, as opposed to being used as a significant source of electrical power for the university.

Each turbine will be equipped with different blades. One tower will utilize standard turbine blades, and the second will use experimental blades designed by an Ohio company. Students would test the blades to see how each performs under varied conditions.

The DOE grant also provides for construction of a third wind turbine at the site in the future. Dr. Abraham says the tower would be shorter, and be equipped with a shrouded blade designed to take greater advantage of the available wind.

Potential contractors for the project are being invited to a pre-bid meeting Thursday at the proposed site of the project. Bids are due by September 10.