A developer says it is still trying to arrange financing to build wind turbines on farmland owned by Purdue University and nearby privately owned property in West Lafayette.

Plans for the Purdue Energy Park call for two turbines on 1,600 acres used by Purdue's animal research center and 33 turbines on more than 2,400 acres of private land.

Indianapolis-based project developer Performance Services Inc. has been working since February to find financial backers and reach a deal on selling the power to an electric utility. The company had been hoping to start the development this fall.

Company vice president Scott Zigmond told the Journal & Courier that its progress has been slowed by the economy but that it still believes in the project.

The company would make lease payments to Purdue along with making the turbines available for research work and classes.