Grant County just became more open to wind energy.
The Grant County commissioners Tuesday approved an ordinance that would streamline the process for setting up windmills. Ken Ellis, county area plan director, said the move makes it easier for wind farms to come into the county, and for individual homeowners to try the alternative energy.
"I think it shows the county's being proactive," Ellis said. "This is a major step in economic development, particularly on the west side of the county."
Representatives from two energy companies - Horizon Wind Energy and E.ON U.S. - have confirmed that they are considering locating wind farms in the southwest portion of Grant County. The multimillion dollar operations would lease property from landowners for the wind towers, and the towers would generate energy, which would be sold to companies.
Ellis said the county ordinance is cutting-edge, and companies will want to locate in counties that have a streamlined system for wind energy.
Ellis said that before the ordinance, if someone wanted to put up a windmill they would have to go through an extensive screening process. Now, he said, nearly everyone who meets certain requirements and gets a permit can put one up, and the majority of them will be approved.
There was discussion by commissioners over the setback distance -1.1 times the height of the windmill. Commissioner Mark Bardsley voted against the ordinance, because he said he was concerned with that distance and thought it should be greater. Commissioner David Glickfield, however, said he thinks the county needs to try to stimulate wind energy.
Ellis said the Van Buren and Upland town councils also have approved the wind ordinance, and the Sweetser, Jonesboro and Fairmount councils have taken it under advisement.
Copyright © 2024 Chronicle-Tribune