Construction of a wind farm in northeast Allen County may take its most profound step yet on Oct. 26.
That’s when Allen County planning commissioners will consider whether to recommend approval for a zoning variance to permit construction.
Allen County Counselor Alan Weber told commissioners Tuesday morning EDP Renewables made formal application Friday to build a wind farm containing 56 turbines and capable of generating 200 megawatts of power.
Planners will review the application the evening Oct. 26. County commissioners will have final say. Landowners involved in turbine leases and living nearby, numbering 255, will be notified by mail of the planning commission meeting.
If the the application is successful, construction is likely to start within a few months with completion in late 2018 or early 2019. Generation on Jan. 1 of whatever year will trigger a 10-year state-imposed property tax vacation.
EDP would make a payment in lieu of taxes during the interim, at a rate yet to be determined. For a similar project in Coffey County, the company paid $500,000 annually. In preliminary discussions with Allen commissioners, $200,000 was mentioned.
Weber thinks “it will be more than that,” but was reluctant to put the cart that far in front of the horse. First on the agenda is confirmation of EDP”s application to build the wind farm.
Thursday night at 7 o’clock planning commissioners will consider a request for the company to build a substation about four miles north and two miles east of Moran. The installation would permit EDP to put power onto the grid, and subsequently market it.
Weber said EDP announced it would name the Allen wind farm Prairie Queen.
IN OTHER business, commissioners:
— Voted unanimously to purchase huge equipment tires from Fred’s Treads, Chanute, for $19,988.50, including accessories and mounting. The bid was lower than an Allen County firm by $1,893.50 but $2,064.82 higher than a bid from a Pittsburg company.
— Approved use of courthouse rest rooms for the Veterans Day parade and activities on Nov. 11.
— Learned signs identifying county roads crossing U.S. 169 by way of overpasses are being installed.
