March 30, 2011
Michigan

Local officials approve of EUP wind project

By Scott Brand, The Evening News, www.sooeveningnews.com 30 March 2011

Rudyard, Mich. —

The Mackinac Wind Project has gotten the green light from two different townships in two separate counties, according to Vice President Bob Wiles, speaking on behalf of Planning and Development in Rudyard Township.
“It was a 6-0 vote,” said Wiles, adding he had to abstain from last week’s vote because his property is leased under an agreement with the developers.
According to Wiles’ understanding, approximately 38 wind turbines will be constructed in Rudyard Township while another 40 will be erected in Mackinac County’s Marquette Township. The proposed development is projected to result in upwards of $250 million in local investment for the devices and necessary infrastructure to transmit power to the grid.
The proposed turbines had caused some controversy from a faction of local residents.
Questions and concerns were initially voiced regarding the noise the devices may cause, among other things, but it appears as though those issues have been satisfactorily resolved.
The best available estimates show that more than 7,500 acres have been leased in Chippewa County for this project, with Wiles estimating another 6,500 leased acres in Mackinac County dedicated toward the wind farm.
Wiles indicated the developers have a four-year window on the project in Rudyard Township, although it is likely there would be some flexibility should more time be required.
No official date has been given for groundbreaking on this development.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/03/30/local-officials-approve-of-eup-wind-project/