During a presentation last week before the Boone County Board of Supervisors, a representative from Midwest Wind Energy (MWE) laid out a time line for preliminary work to begin on the proposed Laredo Ridge Wind Farm.
To be located northeast of Petersburg, the wind farm is moving closer to reality with a number of important steps to be taken soon.
Patrick Dalseth, MWE project coordinator, informed supervisors that a power purchase agreement has been completed with the Nebraska Public Power District and lease agreements are moving forward with landowners.
In other related developments, Dalseth said:
• MWE plans to offer a C-BED ownership opportunity for the wind farm.
Landowners who are leasing land for the project will be given the first opportunity followed, later, by opportunities for other investors.
• A proposal for a county road agreement will be presented to the supervisors likely in February. The agreement is necessary for access to the wind turbines as well as other facilities from county roads. As many as 54 wind turbines will be located on sites northeast of Petersburg. As many as 40 access points are being projected as wind service roads.
• Construction is expected to begin this spring, likely in April with the farm to be producing electricity by the end of the year 2010.
• Once construction begins, access roads will be completed. After that will begin the process of excavations, forming, reinforcement followed by the poring of concrete for the pads which will hold the wind turbines.
This summer, turbine sections and blades will begin to arrive. Dalseth said August will be busy with erection of the wind towers.
Contractors will be hired to put up the wind turbines and to do the road work and build the bases for the wind turbines.
• There will be an opportunity for local contractors to become involved in the necessary work to be done. More information can be gained by contacting Dalseth at patrick@midwestwind.com.
Repair and maintenance employees will be needed sometime in the fall 2010.
