Adams County Wind Ordinance Passes 
Last night, Adams County board members unanimously approved the revised wind ordinance making way for a proposed $300 million development. Board members have spent months conducting an extensive review of the information including comparisons with other Illinois counties and solicitation of input from local residents.

Wind TurbineAcconia Energy North America working with Global Winds Harvest has proposed to build the Prairie Mills Wind Farm in the Camp Point, Clayton and Golden vicinity. The 100-turbine farm would generate $1 million in property tax revenue, $600,000 in annual lease revenue for landowners, 200 or more construction jobs and 20 high-paying permanent jobs.
 
Board members should be commended for their leadership in bringing a project of this magnitude into Adams County during a time of economic recovery.
 
The ordinance now requires the following provisions to help protect the rights of landowners and non-participating neighbors, while still encouraging development of the county's wind resources.
  • Setbacks are 1,320 feet from the home of a non-participating landowner. The setback from school property is 1,500 feet.
  • Sound levels have to comply with Illinois Pollution Control Board regulations and turbines have to be placed so that shadow flicker will not unduly affect non-participating landowners.
  • Crop dusters will be notified of turbine locations.
  • Public hearings will be held and County Board approval required before construction permits could be issued.
  • A complaint resolution system will be established to handle issues that arise during construction, operation or decommissioning of the wind generators.
To read the full ordinance click here.
 
GREDF energy specialist, Pete Pohlman, has also been working behind the scenes for many months to provide expertise and mediation between developers and concerned citizens. At Pete's suggestion, GREDF sponsored the creation of graphics illustrating the impacts of various setbacks on the overall development. To view the graphics click here.
 
Mike McLaughlin, chair of the Adams County Board at the end of the evening said, "It's not everyday that a county is fortunate enough to be part of a 300 million dollar economic development project."

August, 2010 

Volume 1, Special Issue

 

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The Great River Economic Development Foundation exists to maintain and improve the economic vitality of the Quincy and Adams County, Illinois region through the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new businesses to our communities. We view economic development as a collaborative process, resulting in an environment that benefits the region, as well as business. To that end, we place a high value on partnerships and welcome the opportunity to work with businesses and organizations for the good of our entire region.