Harnessing energy from Montana's winds was top priority at MSU-Great Falls today, as members of the 19 companies that make up the Industry Advisory Board for the Montana Wind Energy Project were able to meet in person for the first time.

Along with other partners, the group has secured almost $2-million dollars to develop technician training programs. They hope to train an upcoming workforce to support emerging wind energy development.

Mel Lehman, Wind Montana project manager, noted, "We have high wind energy potential and because of that there's a lot of interest in developing wind energy for electrical generation purposes, and its important to be able to support that development with a workforce."

The new one-year program is already underway, and it will allow students to earn a certificate of applied science in energy technology.

The two year Associate of Applied Science degree in energy technology is set to start next fall.

Both programs will be offered at all four MSU partner campuses.