February 26, 2014
Indiana

Proposed wind farm debated in Huntington County

By Corinne Rose - 21Alive | February 25, 2014 | www.indianasnewscenter.com

Storm clouds are brewing over a proposed wind farm.

Like just about every other community that’s presented with an opportunity to welcome massive wind turbines, there are pros and cons.

Apex Clean Energy is based in Virginia.

It operates one wind farm in Oklahoma and wants to build others across the country, including one that’s pending in Wells County and now in southeastern Huntington County.

Republican county commissioner Larry Buzzard says Apex wants to erect up to 65 wind turbines on about 2,000 acres in Plum Tree in southeastern Huntington County.

Buzzard says the preliminary plans show an economic development boost of tens of millions of dollars into the local economy.

That means more than $16 million for local materials, millions in wages for construction jobs, and at least four million over the first 10 years in property tax revenue.

However, Buzzard says he’s mindful there are other things to consider, like property values and the aesthetics of the area.

And there are long-term issues to consider, as well.

“Then there’s also in the ordinance, a decommissioning factor, that should the company go bankrupt, or should something happen that in 20 years or 30 years there’s money set aside to tear them down for demolition,” Buzzard says.

There will be a public hearing on March 12th, where people are invited to give their input about the proposed project.

The meeting’s location hasn’t been decided yet.

[video available]


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/02/26/proposed-wind-farm-debated-in-huntington-county/