Former Maine State Economist Charles Colgan, now a professor at the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service, presented his study Thursday as wind-power day was observed in the State House.

The study says that even during the recession-plagued years of 2008 and 2009, wind power construction created or supported over 600 jobs.

Colgan says wind power in Maine has turned into a significant economic opportunity and bright spot in the state’s struggling rural areas. The industry says wind power’s drawn $946 million in investments in Maine.

A group opposed to mountain wind farms, Friends of Maine’s Mountains, calls the promise of jobs and revenue exaggerated.