Estherville, Iowa (RI) — A representative of the company planning to build a wind farm in northwest Iowa says a proposed ordinance in Emmet County would likely block Steelhead Wind Energy’s project near the Estherville airport.
Tyler Raniszewski — the company’s development manager — says the plan is to erect 45 wind turbines in the area and over 30 landowners have signed contracts to allow the turbines on their property.
Raniszewski says his company hopes to work with county supervisors and provide studies or whatever input might be needed to reach a compromise.
Opponents of the project say there are safety concerns about having the wind turbines located near the Estherville Municipal Airport and it could be dangerous for students in the Iowa Lakes Community College aviation program who use that airport for flight training. Last fall, the Emmet County Board of Supervisors approved a temporary moratorium on new wind energy projects in the county. The board plans to adopt a new wind energy ordinance this summer.
(Ed Funston, KILR, Estherville)
KIWA Staff Photo
