December 9, 2010
Illinois

Wind farm fight

Reported by: Ashley Sears, illinoishomepage.net 8 December 2010

A fight over wind energy is being had throughout Central Illinois.
The latest is happening in Ford and Iroquois counties. Leaders want to put 80 to 90 400 foot turbines along rout nine.

Some say the wind farm will bring huge economic benefits. About $1.6 million would come back to Ford County and $1.2 million would go toward the Paxton-Buckley-Loda school district.

“Anytime you can look at anything coming in that’s going to create jobs and benefits to people is going to be a big deal,” Paxton mayor Bill Ingold said.

But not everyone agrees.

“I’m concerned about the noise. I like going out and having a fire and enjoying my peace and quiet and I don’t think I’m going to have that anymore,” Debbie Smith said.

Smith will live within a mile of the farm. She says the turbines are noisy eyesores and they will bring down her property value.

“I do understand the revenue it’s going to create and I know it’s tough times, but how many do we need?” Smith said.

The Ford and Iroquois County boards will vote on the wind farm next week. Construction could begin as soon as spring of 2011.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/12/09/wind-farm-fight/