Apex, one of several energy conglomerates, wants to build a wind farm in Neosho County.
While specifics are not yet nailed to the absolute, Apex has its eye on about 130 turbines to generate up to 302.5 megawatts of power in a broad expanse south of Chanute and in the 10-mile corridor between Altoona and U.S. 59.
Opposition among some landowners, and others, has been amplified by the squeaky wheel syndrome.
Meanwhile, EDP Renewables met far less enmity when it proposed to build 60 turbines in northeast Allen County.
So, what is Allen County getting from its acceptance of a wind farm?
Scores of construction workers are on site, and more will come. They are paid well, need places to live, eat three squares a day, buy fuel and many other things folks need in daily life.
Once online, three economic positives will occur.
First, EDP will pay Allen County $250,000 annually in lieu of property taxes. Commissioners promised to disperse that income to benefit local school districts.
State law abates property taxes for wind energy companies for 10 years; previously it was for perpetuity. When the turbines go on tax roles, a model predicts EDP property taxes of $1 million a year.
The second economic shoe to drop will be good-paying jobs for at least 15 technicians to maintain the turbines and their towers.
Finally, landowners will reap advantage through payments for land leased and for individual turbine power production.
One farmers take: It will be the best cash crop Ill have, requiring no effort or expense on his part.
A handful of local foes and those in Anderson and Neosho counties railed about health and environmental issues. Some also claim the power-generating blades are unsightly, even dangerously mesmerizing.
The first two supposed negatives have been refuted by the scientific community; the third is a personal consideration.
