Residents raise concerns about Pontotoc County wind farm

Credit: April 5, 2024 - By Lincoln Revill - kten.com ~~

Pontotoc County Commissioners held a meeting in Ada on Friday morning, allowing county taxpayers to voice their concerns with a wind farm that is set to begin construction near Roff this summer.

“This will become the county where metal buildings have more rights than the people.”

The plans from energy company Avangrid will bring 33, 600-foot tall wind turbines to the Roff, Oklahoma area. Most residents in the area do not want to see these turbines installed.

“When I moved down here, there were no windmills, it was fine.” Said one resident. “That’s all I see is windmills, out of my garage. I’m just, really against it.”

Some of the main concerns voiced at the meeting were the value of surrounding properties, the local economy, and damage to county roads.

“The enjoyment of my property has forever been diminished.” Said county resident Kyle Lown. “On January 29th, Avingrid Renewables and their partners entered my property, illegally trespassed, and destroyed an acre of my property.” According to Lown, Avangrid removed approximately 600 trees from his property.

Other people expressed disappointment at the communication from Avangrid during the process

“My neighbors, who I consider friends, kept this all undercover the whole time this has been going on.” Explained another resident.

Multiple state officials were at the meeting as well, with State Representative Ronny Johns and Senator Greg McCortney attending. “As soon as we heard about it, they came scurrying to us real fast. First words out of their mouth pretty much was, ‘yeah we haven’t done a good job of communicating on this thing.’” Stated Senator McCortney.

According to County Commissioner Gary Starns, Avangrid did not communicate with county officials either. “You’re supposed to notify and have a meeting and let the public know what you’re doing. All they’ve done is communicate with certain neighbors, and got permission from them.”

Construction on the turbines is set to begin this summer.

Source: April 5, 2024 - By Lincoln Revill - kten.com

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