November 10, 2015
North Dakota

Company proposes wind farm in Stark County

By Sara Berlinger | KFYR-TV 5 | Nov 09, 2015 | www.kfyrtv.com

It’s tried once before and failed, and it’s back again.

NextEra Energy Resources is proposing another wind farm for Stark County.

And while the landowners directly involved are on board, some living nearby have their concerns.

Chet Steier and his family have farmed for years on these lands, but he isn’t opposed to change.

“We do need an alternative source of energy,” said Steier, Stark County farmer and rancher.

NextEra Energy Resources wants to establish a wind farm on some of his and others’ lands in Stark County. NextEra held a meeting last week to discuss their plans to maybe even extend to Hettinger County.

“They have them positioned and stuff like that they’re working very closely with the landowner,” Steier said.

It would include 87 turbines and generate enough electricity to power more than 37,000 homes. Steier doesn’t think the towers will make a difference.

“And after a couple years or so you won’t even know that they’re standing there,” Steiner said.

The company estimates that participating landowners would receive more than $24 million over the course of the project. But neighbors have their concerns.

“North Dakota is beautiful country, you know, a lot of us live in the countryside, for countryside,” said Autumn Richard, Stark County.

Richard says the contracts landowners sign put the majority of power in the hands of NextEra, though NextEra representatives say landowners at the meeting were excited about the project.

“Having this extra income that would be generated from having a wind turbine on their property would be fantastic,” said Steve Stengel, NextEra Energy Resources spokesman.

Stengel says the company estimates the project will create $20 million in tax revenue for Stark County.​

The company would like to begin construction next year.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/11/10/company-proposes-wind-farm-in-stark-county/