Franklin Co. Board of Adjustment Approves Wind Turbine Permits, Denies Substation Variances

A standing-room-only crowd filled the Franklin County Law Enforcement Center meeting room Monday afternoon as the Franklin County Board of Adjustment considered conditional use permits for the proposed Wild Rose Wind Energy Project.

The meeting focused on conditional use permits for two proposed wind energy developments in Franklin County; the Wild Rose project north of Latimer and the Whispering Willow South project south of Coulter.

Following roughly four hours of testimony from residents, landowners and project representatives, the board approved all conditional use permits for the proposed wind turbines and two substations. According to Franklin County Zoning Administrator Dan Tilkes, the meeting included extensive public comment from both supporters and opponents of the project, as well as presentations from representatives of Wild Rose Wind Energy and Alliant Energy.

The board, however, voted 3-2 to deny two requested setback variances for the substations. Tilkes said the conditional use permits for the substations were approved, but the requested variances were not.

Tilkes said he was unsure what the developer’s next step will be following the Monday, July 20 action.