Chronicle Editorial

By: 
Chronicle Staff

Wind farm expansion should give timely economic boost
   Franklin County received another proverbial economic shot in the arm late last week when Alliant Energy announced that they plan to expand the Whispering Willow Wind Farm south of Hampton.
   At the height of the project, the proposed $1 billion project will bring an estimated 300 construction jobs to the county over the course of the next five years. The first phase of the project will occur on land Alliant already has lease rights to. Pending regulatory approval, the project would be in full swing in the Spring of 2018 pending acquisition of land rights from farmers.
   During the first phase, an estimated 100 windmills will be constructed with up to an additional 150 more over the course of the five year project.
   We realize the opportunities for additional economic impact as well. Local businesses, such as grocery stores, restaurants, retail stores, repair shops, hotels, and convenience stores will likely see a direct positive impact from the project. In addition, more that 16 jobs are expected to be created once the project is completed as well.
   Once completed, the project will produce up to 500 megawatts of clean energy and projections of $135 million in annual property tax revenues for the county.

Hampton Chronicle

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Hampton, IA 50441
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