Reader questions developer's statements about wind plan
A few questions on the article, “Wind sites on the way,” April 9, in The Recorder.
I read this article and at the end, I could not understand the finality of what Mr. John Flora was trying to say. From one paragraph to a following paragraph, he states and uses different words that seem contradictory.
Mr. Flora states, “We expect to have the site plan to you by next meeting.” How much time has HNWD had to present a site plan?
Then Mr. Flora announced HNWD is close to purchasing the turbines. “We are about 90 percent there,” and explained negotiations were ongoing with potential vendors that he declined to name.
Why not name them? Let Highland County know.
Another statement: “Last year at this time we could not get a turbine, now we are inundated with calls for turbine sales,” Flora added.
Then, next paragraph, he says the company has not secured investors to help pay for the $65 million project, however, “We are not certain about a funding source, ” Flora told the board..
Did I read it right? We are not certain about a funding source!
Next sentence, “I’m not at liberty to tell you exactly who they are. We are still working on that.”
Question: Is there a funding source? Go ahead and give the name.
If I sold turbines, I certainly would make sure one could pay me before I called several times to the wind energy plant.
Then county attorney Ms. (Melissa) Dowd asked about the final erosion and sediment control plan. “We plan to have the whole package,” Flora replied.
Flora then adds, “By the May meeting, we hope to have more details.”
Too many ifs, ands, and buts from Mr. Flora.
At the end of the article, former supervisor Mr. Lee Blagg told the board,”We’ve got to increase the tax base.” How much does Mr. Flora estimate the tax that HNWD will Pay Highland County?
If I could only be granted a wish, that wish is that Mr. Blagg is right about the environmental aspects and that Mr. McBride (HNWD owner) will not destroy anything on that mountain or mountains. I have not had a wish come true for so long!
Jimmy Carter
Gastonia, N.C.
23 April 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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