The proposed Whiskey Creek wind farm project in western Grand Forks County generated comments both for and against at Tuesday’s county commission meeting.
Critics say the giant turbines could impact radar systems at the National Weather Service and Grand Forks Air Force Base. In addition foreign investment in the parent company – including China – may be cause for concern.
Not all landowners oppose the siting. Supporters say the project would provide payments to property owners – as well as generate $850,000 dollars in property taxes for the county.
County Administrator Tom Ford says there are a lot of hoops for the project to jump through before it even comes before the commission. “Before the application goes to the Planning and Zoning Board there needs to be letters of endorsement from the Airport Authority Board…GFAFB…UND Aerospace…and Grand Sky. Those still need to be secured.”
It was about a year ago that the commission put a 90-day moratorium in place for wind farms until siting requirements were established.
The revised document included moving the setback for wind turbines from one-quarter to one-half mile…placing a tower height setback from property lines and right-of-ways…and limiting the amount of time rotating wind blades can cast shadows on nearby dwellings.
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