October 13, 2006
Michigan
Michigan
To answer the question of what’s blowin’ in the wind, Michigan State University Extension is hosting an informational meeting on the economics and future of wind power.
“As wind energy becomes more prevalent Michigan and people learn more about the opportunities, it’s good the have a seminar presenting unbiased information,” said Lynn Hamilton, professor of agriculture economics and wind project coordinator at Michigan State University.
Hamilton is scheduled to speak at a seminar Oct. 19 at the Kettunen Center in
Tustin. The session will explore topics such as legal considerations of signing a land lease and planning and zoning issues.
Hamilton has traveled around the state speaking to groups on the topic of wind energy.
“This is the 16th seminar since fall of 2004,” she said. “It’s at the request of locals and is all demand driven.”
When a wind resource map was released a little more than a year ago, Michigan was identified as a prime area for wind energy development, ranking as the 14th windiest state in America. The Dighton hills area showed commercial promise.
Developers have approached landowners in the highlands of Wexford, Missaukee and Osceola counties, according to Jerry Lindquist, Osceola County Extension director.
“Land has been leased in Missaukee County and there is speculation there could be turbines in place in the next year,” Lindquist said. “There has been testing of wind speeds for the past year. It looks favorable and has created interest.”
Private landowners, government officials and all other interested parties are encouraged to attend the session to learn what may be on the horizon.
“This is a new endeavor for the state of Michigan that could be helpful to our environment and economy,” Lindquist said.
The meeting is open to anyone interested in wind power generation.
Cost is $25 per person and includes a notebook, refreshments and facility fees. For additional family members the cost is $10. Registration deadline is Oct. 16. For more information, call (231) 832-6139.
By Sally Barber, Cadillac News
cadillacnews.com
sbarber@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2006/10/13/wind-power-subject-of-msu-seminar/