By SCOTT ALLEN, Herald-Journal sallen@thehj.com
Mimicking the early stages of the first 121 wind turbines in White County, the county council approved Monday a Meadow Lake Phase II economic revitalization area (ERA).
"We are proposing that this resolution would make eligible abatements on real estate and residential properties for 10 years, the maximum allowed under Indiana code," explained White County Economic Development Director Connie Neininger.
Horizon Wind Energy Meadow Lake Phase II will include 66 turbines to be installed between County Roads 1200 West and 600 West and 400 North and Ind. 18, except for a 3-square-mile piece between Ind. 18 and 100 North and 1200 West and 800 West.
The ERA also included a small piece southwest of Chalmers for a maintenance building.
"We have two areas, the one south of Chalmers, and the one west, the larger one that's going to get the turbines," explained council president Richard "Buzz" Horton.
"The majority of phase II will be in the Tri-County school district," said Neininger. "This is just the first step that could or could not go anywhere, but it does help speed along the process."