Wind farm offers county and townships economic benefits

[July 18, 2008]  Supporters for the Rail Splitter Wind Farm had a rally Tuesday evening just prior to the Logan County Board's vote on the project's zoning request. A statement issued by the supporters said: "We understand that the Rail Splitter Wind Farm will produce many economic and environmental benefits for our community. These benefits will include more tax dollars for our schools, more local jobs, and clean and renewable energy for our community. Logan County cannot afford to miss out on this opportunity."

Area farmer Brent Hellman and Lincoln & Logan County Development Partnership executive director Joel Smiley spoke about the benefits the wind farm would bring.

Hellman recognized the economic boost that the wind farm would bring to Emden. The small village has struggled in the last year with the loss of two car dealerships, a grocery store and an insurance business. The wind farm would bring jobs and increase the tax base.

Smiley reviewed projected financial figures indicating that the project would boost local economies by providing good-paying jobs, increasing landowners' income and providing more tax dollars for Orville and Eminence townships and Logan County.

The wind company also offered additional provisions and will pay for improvements to the roads in the areas of the turbines.

Estimated economic impact

• Total investment for the Rail Splitter Wind Farm will be approximately $200 million for 67 turbines. Of those turbines, 29 will be in Logan County, representing approximately an $85 million investment in Logan County.

• During construction of the Rail Splitter Wind Farm, more than 200 construction jobs will be created.

• When the farm is up and running, 10-15 good-paying, permanent jobs will be based right here in Logan County.

• In the first year, the turbines located in Logan County could generate about $234,000 in tax revenue.

• The farmers who have decided to allow a turbine on their property receive average annual payments of approximately $5,500. Each turbine takes only half an acre out of production. Less than 1 percent of the land area of the wind farm will be taken out of farm production. The 75-100 residences lying within 2,500 feet of a turbine would be offered $1,000 per year, with escalating costs of living, for a minimum amount of $40,500 per home over the 30-year life of the project.

• Rail Splitter Wind Farm will produce enough clean, renewable energy to power approximately 30,000 homes.

• The U.S. Department of Energy ranks Illinois as the 16th state in terms of wind energy potential. The Department of Energy estimates that wind energy could supply up to 20 percent of America's electricity needs by 2030.

The Logan County Board approved the zoning use on Tuesday evening, and the wind farm could move forward with construction as permits and agreements get completed.

However, a small group representing between five and seven residences that would be located near the turbines have opposed the wind farm and have said that they would continue to try to stop it. They have 90 days to appeal the county's decision in a court of law.

County officials, members of the nearby community and area farmers have publicly stated that they would welcome the prosperity the turbines would bring. "I think as residents of Logan County, we should be positive about it and promote its success," Hellman said.

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