"We are pleased to be selected to construct this significant project for Xcel Energy and the state of Colorado. This project is another great example of Xcel's commitment to clean renewable energy." said Tim Maag, vice president and general manager at Mortenson's Wind Energy Group.

MINNEAPOLIS, March 8, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mortenson, a leading renewable energy contractor, has been selected to build what will be the largest single-phase wind farm ever built in North America. The 600-megawatt Rush Creek Wind Project, owned and operated by Xcel Energy, will be home to 300 turbines and an 83-mile transmission line near Limon, Colo.

"We are pleased to be selected to construct this significant project for Xcel Energy and the state of Colorado. This project is another great example of Xcel's commitment to clean renewable energy." said Tim Maag, vice president and general manager at Mortenson's Wind Energy Group.

Mortenson's Wind Energy, High Voltage Transmission and Civil groups will deliver full engineering, procurement and construction for Rush Creek. Colorado based turbine manufacturer, Vestas, will provide the 300-V110 2.0MW wind turbines. The engineering design will complete April 2017, with construction expected to begin May 2017 and an in-service date of October 2018.

The 600-MW Rush Creek Wind Project will be the single largest wind contract executed to date for Mortenson, as well as the largest for the state of Colorado.

"Mortenson has a long and distinguished history with the construction of major projects in Colorado, from the Stapleton Redevelopment to Denver International Airport hotel and transit center, to the Alamosa Solar Project. In addition, it has extensive experience in the development of wind projects throughout the U.S.," said Gerald Kelly, Xcel Energy Project manager. "Mortenson also shares Xcel Energy's commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment. We look forward to working with Mortenson on our Rush Creek Wind Farm effort."

The wind farm is estimated to contribute 350 jobs to the state during the peak of construction, and when complete will increase Colorado's wind energy production by more than 20 percent and potentially generate $180 million in landowner lease payments and property tax revenue.

About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

About Mortenson
Founded in 1954, Mortenson is a U.S.-based, family-owned construction and real estate development company. As one of the nation's top builders, Mortenson provides a complete range of development and construction services, including site acquisition, financing, planning, program management, preconstruction, general contracting, construction management, design-build and turnkey delivery.

Mortenson has operations across North America with offices in Chicago, Denver, Fargo, Iowa City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Portland, San Antonio, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and in Canada. For more information, visit mortenson.com.