August 7, 2018
Oklahoma

Commissioners discuss wind farm proposal

By Tesina Jackson | Tahlequah Daily Press | www.tahlequahdailypress.com

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners heard plans for the intentions of a wind farm on property around the Eldon area during their Aug. 6 meeting.

“It’s still in the early, early stages,” said Jeremy Ingram, JBS Energy Solutions of Wellington, Kansas.

Ingram told commissioners the wind farm would be primarily on private property, and the owner would enter a 20-year lease agreement with JBS Energy Solutions.

The company would also try to lease additional private property to gain access to the wind farm, which would have approximately 40 turbines.

Ingram said the next step is to speak with the Federal Aviation Administration and also have an environmental study performed.

“I think we’re progressive enough to see that it’s a good energy source,” said District 1 Commissioner Doug Hubbard.

Ingram added the construction is expected to bring 230 jobs to the area.

As this item was for discussion only, commissioners took no action.

Commissioners approved an agreement to work on private property with Howard Asher within the District 1 area on State Highway 10.

“There was some flooding that destroyed an area around a bridge so they need to get in there and reroute it,” Hubbard said.

A resolution to use matching money with the Cherokee Nation road grant money to mill 2.55 miles of Indian Road was also approved by commissioners.

District 3 Commissioner Clif Hall said the project would help widen the road.

What’s next

The next meeting of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 20 in the Cherokee County Courthouse, Room 204.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2018/08/07/commissioners-discuss-wind-farm-proposal/