August 24, 2016
Nebraska

Board hosts hearings Aug. 16 for two towers

By Mark Gaschler | The Sentinel | August 24, 2016 | www.sewardindependent.com

The Saline County Planning and Zoning Board held its monthly meeting on Aug. 16 to discuss a subdivision and hold public hearings for a conditional use permit for two meteorological towers.

The commission approved Richard Kuzelka’s request for a four-acre subdivision on his land. Kuzelka intends to sell the subdivision to his daughter.

The commission held the public hearing for the conditional use permit of two meteorological towers for Aksamit Energy Development, with Mike Matheson appearing on the company’s behalf. One tower is planned to be built in North Fork precinct, about nine miles west of Wilber. The other tower will be in Monroe precinct, about eight miles northeast of Milligan. The towers, which are temporary, are put up to study the wind before wind farms are built.

The board asked how long the towers would be up. Matheson said it could be up to two years, depending on the wind data they receive.

The board approved the permits.

Commissioner Marvin Kohout reminded the board that the county commissioners were putting together the new budget for the coming year.

Lyle Weber, the zoning administrator, told the board that the county needs to update the comprehensive plan and regulations over the next two years. In particular, Weber told the board that many counties are reviewing and updating their renewable energy regulations. The board agreed to begin working on them this year.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/08/24/board-hosts-hearings-aug-16-for-two-towers/