May 29, 2008
Illinois
Illinois
The wind in woodford county is causing quite a stir these days.
“In a small community it’s the highlight of the year,” said John Krug, Woodford County Board Chairman.
It all revolves around a special use permit before the Woodford County board that could allow a 40 turbine wind farm near Route 24 outside El Paso.
“We’re going to hear a lot of things from a lot of people, at some point the county board will be voting yes or no on the special use permit for the El Paso wind farm,” said Krug.
Those opposed to the El Paso wind farm say it brings up economic, quality of life and environmental issues.
“It would hinder us, that’s the point we’re trying to make,” said Jay Etcheson, an El Paso community member.
Some residents in el paso think the wind farm would hinder the city’s growth, be too noisy and could lower their property values.
“Everyone wants to do their part to go green, but this isn’t doing that and its affecting the people in this area greatly,” said Etchseon.
Navitas, the company trying to build the wind farm says it would affect the community, but in a positive way.
“It is a very clean safe form of energy and it’s an American energy,” said Navitas’ Wanda Davies. “It would reduce our dependence on foreign energy.”
The decision on whether or not wind will energize this heart of Illinois county left to the board’s vote Thursday night.
Last week’s Woodford County board meeting to discuss the controversial wind farm was postponed because too many people showed up.
Thursday’s meeting will be in Eureka’s Middle School at 6:30.
This is a larger venue to support the number of people expected to show up.
By Ashley McNamee
28 May 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/05/29/a-woodford-county-wind-farms-unclear-future/