January 9, 2012
Minnesota

Our smallest unit of government stands the tallest

The Republican Eagle, www.republican-eagle.com 9 January 2012

The information exchange about AWA Goodhue Wind project has been disappointing. The project footprint encompasses 32,000 acres of Goodhue County prime ag land and proposes 78 megawatts of wind turbines, most of them in Belle Creek Township.

A series of maps repeatedly had missing homes. Homes are readily found in the county plat book. A recent Xcel Energy assessment anticipated 10 percent production, not the 30-39 percent the wind company touts.

Important to know: wind data is trade secret, plus Goodhue Wind uses Clarks Grove by Albert Lea, Minn., for data. Documents presented by the wind company at the Minnesota PUC stated, “Zero eagles in the footprint” yet all parties were provided with primary documentation of eagles.

In addition, the project contains a rich eco-system and amazingly, there are human beings who live in harmony with nature here. Some of these residents’ families have been on the land for over 150 years. New families bring vitality to the economy and social fabric.

Throughout the past three years there has been only absence and silence on the part of project participants, but recently there have been speakers and a letter (R-E, Dec. 14) expressing dissatisfaction with the Belle Creek Town Board focused on money spent.

The Belle Creek Board has not increased the levy and has welcomed and listened to everyone’s thoughts and maintained order and civil discussion. They have performed with integrity and openness under very difficult circumstances. They have been responsible in how they have addressed the impacts of this proposed plan.

Despite this, AWA Goodhue chose to sue Belle Creek Township. The township did not start this legal wrangling, but it must address this lawsuit. Congratulations and thanks to the entire Belle Creek Town Board. They have received overwhelming support from a majority of citizens, including many participants.

Although the township is the smallest unit of government, they have displayed the best and most responsible performance of their duties when compared with all the government bodies weighing in on the wind issue.

Marie McNamara

Goodhue

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/01/09/our-smallest-unit-of-government-stands-the-tallest/