(Spirit Lake)– The debate over whether or not more wind turbines should be built in Dickinson county is once again heating up. Invenergy has resurrected plans to construct 67 turbines, primarily in eastern Dickinson county, as part of its Red Rock Wind project. The Dickinson County Board of Adjustment had previously voted down a permit for plans for a similar project by the company, which has now submitted a new application.
The Dickinson County Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings on the new permit application April 28th, 29th and 30th at the Dickinson County Courthouse. The hearings will begin at 6:00 pm each evening.
Proponents of the project site economic advantages it would bring to landowners, saying it would also boost the county’s tax base. Opponents site what they say are potential impacts to the environment, health, and aesthetics.
A proposal that would have done away with tax credits for new wind turbines in Dickinson county was recently voted down by the Board of Supervisors on a two-two tie vote. Supervisors Steve Dullard and Levi Markwardt voted in favor while supervisors Kim Wermersen and Board Chairman Bill Leupold voted no. Supervisor Steve Clark abstained siting a potential conflict of interest.
