Wind farm land agents meet with property owners

COUNTY ORDINANCE

We understand that the County Board is in the process of drafting an ordinance to regulate the construction, operation, and decommissioning of wind energy facilities, and we eagerly anticipate its completion. We are fully committed to complying with the new ordinance and ensuring that our practices align with the County’s regulations and standards.”

Cordelio Energy spokesperson

WEST POINT - Land agents representing Canadian Energy Company Cordelio Power and Dallas-based Tenaska Energy met with Lee County landowners Monday night in a barn northwest of West Point.
About 30 property owners showed up to hear from land agents for the energy companies about a possible windfarm in Lee County.
A representative from the companies didn't comment on the meeting and declined to allow media to attend due to the private location of the meeting and the contract discussions.
In May, representatives met with landowners in public meetings held in Fort Madison.
Tenaska and Cordelio are working together to develop a wind energy project in the county called Turkey Run Wind Farm. Both companies have significant experience developing, constructing, and operating renewable energy facilities in the US.
A statement received by Pen City Current on Tuesday indicated the project is still in the early stages, but the companies are aware of the county's current work around drafting an ordinance to set parameters for wind farm and solar field construction in the county.
"While we are very early in our development process, we are excited about the prospect of bringing a project here in the next few years. As it takes shape over the coming years, we will be able to publicly share details about our project," the statement indicated.
"We understand that the County Board is in the process of drafting an ordinance to regulate the construction, operation, and decommissioning of wind energy facilities, and we eagerly anticipate its completion. We are fully committed to complying with the new ordinance and ensuring that our practices align with the County’s regulations and standards."
Officials said complying will include county regulations on location of turbines and other infrastructure as well as details of the economic benefits it will bring to the region during construction and operations.
"We will perform necessary environmental studies and advance the design of the facility so an application can be submitted to and reviewed by the Lee County Board of Supervisors."
The representative said wind energy facilities can provide significant economic benefits to their host communities through the additional revenue stream to participating landowners, the taxes paid to multiple jurisdictions, and the jobs created during their construction and operation.
Letters were sent to landowners indicating the wind farm is being proposed for 300 megawatts within the county. Company representatives wrote they were looking to seek input from landowners as they move forward with develooping the project, and to gauge interest in potential lease agreements for land to build the windmills.
"We consider our projects to be community endeavors, and we depend on good working relationships with local leaders to help maximize the benefits to the community while also ensuring our plants remain competitive businesses and stable employers,” the letter indicated.