August 6, 2011
Michigan

$9.2 million wind park performance bond on agenda

LDN Staff, Ludington Daily News, www.ludingtondailynews.com 6 August 2011

The Mason County Board of Commissioners is scheduled Tuesday to consider a resolution calling for a $9.2 million performance guarantee for the Lake Winds Energy Park.

The Mason County Planning Commission included in the special land use permit it approved in July the requirement for the performance bond or line of credit to remain in effect for the duration of the time of the permitted special land use.

According to information provided to Mason County Administrator Fabian Knizacky by Zoning and Building Director Mary Reilly, the amount of the bond or line of credit will be reviewed every three years to reflect changes in the estimated cost of removal of the wind energy system as required if it ceases operation.

Consumers Energy has received approval for a special land use permit for 56 456-foot-tall wind turbines to be located in Summit and Riverton townships. Consumers is working to complete other requirements called for in the permit so that permit can be issued. It plans to begin work this year on the foundations for the towers and access roads. Turbines would be erected in 2012.

However, the Citizens Alliance for Responsible Renewable Energy has appealed the issuance of the permit and that also has to be resolved if the project is to move forward.

Also on the board’s agenda Tuesday is appointing an alternate to the Mason County Zoning Board of Appeals.

Three applicants are being recommended for consideration to that opening, Joah Stinson Clair, Kent Collins and Joseph Smalley.

CARRE has raised conflict of issue questions concerning some current ZBA members. The alternate member appointed will serve a term beginning Aug. 10 and ending Dec. 31.

[rest of article available at source]

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/08/06/9-2-million-wind-park-performance-bond-on-agenda/