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Planning commission votes in favor of 2-year moratorium on proposed wind farm in Dickinson County
Credit: By Keith Grant. Published: Oct. 17, 2024 at kwch.com ~~
In a 6-1 vote, the Dickinson County Planning Commission formally favored halting a proposed wind farm project in the county. The commission specifically voted in favor of a two-year moratorium on plans for the Hope Ridge Wind Farm. The 334-megawatt wind farm would include multiple townships and about 75 turbines.
The planning commission’s vote is essentially a recommendation that will go before the Dickinson County Commission for a final decision.
Jon Beck, with Enel North America, the company proposing Hope Ridge Wind Farm provided the following statement following the planning commission’s vote:
“Wind projects like these create jobs and generate millions in revenue, funds that can be reinvested into the community and enhance public services such as schools, libraries, and emergency response. Additionally, it will provide supplemental income for landowners, ensuring that their farms and ranches can be passed down through generations. We want to support landowners and respect their choice to do what’s best for their livelihood and property.”
The company behind a proposed wind farm in Dickinson County had its last chance to present the plan to residents on Thursday.
On October 10, the proposed Hope Ridge Wind Farm prompted a massive turnout at a Dickinson County Planning Commission meeting. Most of the crowd opposed the wind farm.
Some in attendance told 12 News they opposed the project because of the visual change it could bring to Dickinson County.
Jon Beck, with Enel North America, the company proposing Hope Ridge Wind Farm, suggested that those concerned with visual appearances talk with people in Marion County; Diamond Vista Wind Farm has been in the county for six years.
Hope Ridge Wind Farm would have roughly 75 wind turbines sprawling tens of thousands of acres. On Thursday, Beck said the company currently has 220 leases covering 53,000 acres already under lease.
The construction phase of the project would take roughly nine months.
At the October 10 meeting, another person said they were concerned about the financial stability of the company.
“We have bonding for decommissioning,” Beck said over a virtual interview on Thursday. “This means the money is there; it’s analyzed with the county every five years, which is what’s proposed for this project. So, that dollar amount always exists. No matter if the company does go belly up or if we sell to another operator. Those obligations and that pot of money is still there.”
If the planning commission votes in favor of Hope Ridge Wind Farm after Thursday’s meeting, it will then go to the Dickinson County Commission for the final decision.
Update, September 21, 2024: The County Commission overturned the moratorium and approved the permit.
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