01/17/06 ISDA pulls proposal to split vet`s job

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is not going to ask the legislature to separate the duties of the state veterinarian and administrator for the Division of Animal Industries. State Department of Ag Director Pat Takasugi says the split plan is going on the shelf for now because several industry groups asked him to do more work on the mechanics of this proposal. Takasugi fired former state vet Doctor Clarence Siroky last October and in December Doctor Greg Ledbetter was hired. Ledbetter will also be able to offer his insight when new legislation is drafted and considered in 2007. State regulators have approved Idaho Power Company sales agreements with the developer of four wind parks scheduled for south-central and eastern Idaho. If approved Montana-based Exergy Development would start producing energy in November from 1.5 megawatt turbines which should be in full operation by May 2007. The four wind farms, which will be paid for delivery of 10 average-megawatts a month to Idaho Power, include the Milner Dam project west of Burley, Lava Bed between Blackfoot and Arco, Notch Butte between Twin Falls and Shoshone and the Salmon Falls Wind Park near Hagerman. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott