After 13 years and close to $70 million, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick cuts the ribbon on a first of its kind wind farm in the Bay State. Our Brandon Walker was there and has more.

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HANCOCK, Mass. -- It was once a hot spot for skiers, now, Brodie Mountain is home to an onshore, ten turbine wind farm. Governor Deval Patrick on hand at the official ribbon cutting ceremony for a project that's first of its kind in the Bay State.

"Six thousand homes will benefit from the power generated here," said Governor Deval Patrick.

The 15 megawatt wind farm is owned by Boston-based Berkshire Wind Power Cooperative Corporation. The group was formed in 2008 solely for the purchase of this project, which up until then, was deadlocked in a political back and forth that spanned 13 years.

"Starting in 2008, we started financing the project, GE wind turbines were available," said Ronald DeCurzio, Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company CEO.

The turbines are installed on private property along a stretch of the mountain, one of the windiest spots in the state.

Energy leaders hope the $65 million project will help cut the $22 billion the state spends each year in energy costs. Of that, "Eighty percent, some $18 billion, not only goes outside of the state, but outside of the country," said Richard Sullivan, Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

Governor Patrick hopes the new wind turbines is only the start for a state that's dependant on renewable energy.

"We're encouraging wind and solar and other sources for their environmental and energy reasons but also because it's a great industry to grow and great jobs," Patrick said.

The governor is using this project to push support for a wind sitting bill pending before the House Ways and Means Committee.

"We need alternatives. There are great jobs associated with this industry," he said.

The challenge, though, is crafting legislation that satisfies both larger energy providers and smaller locally owned co-ops.