This memorandum was distributed to landowners participating in Midwest Wind Energy's Stony Brook wind farm proposed for Calumet County, Wisconsin. The memo was sent within two days of the County Board supervisors adopting amendments to the wind energy facilities ordinance.

MEMORANDUM

To:    
From: Tom Swierczewski, AICP, Project Coordinator
Date: March 20, 2008
RE:    Calumet County Zoning Changes

As a result of the County's actions to adopt severe amendments to its wind energy facilities ordinances that preclude wind turbines from being approved at the local level, we intend to file an application with the Public Service Commission in Wisconsin for approval of the Stony Brook Wind Farm. The process will take a minimum of 18 months to complete and cost more than $2 million. In addition, following the PSC's approval we fully expect the objectors will litigate the decision all the way to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which could add another two years and $2 million to the process. Nonetheless, Midwest Wind Energy is fully committed to this effort as we now see this as "the war to end all wars" regarding wind power in Wisconsin.

As a result, it is in our best interest to combine all of the turbine locations we have secured in the Towns of Brothertown and Stockbridge in this application. In addition, if other landowners would like to participate in the project, we have an opportunity through the end of May to sign up more turbine locations. If you know of anyone who would like to join the project please let me know.

The County's actions are a setback to windfarm development in this area but we have every confidence that Stony Brook will eventually get built. We appreciate your willingness to hang in there and be patient. If you have questions or would [like information] to pass along to other interested landowners, please feel free to contact me at 847-909-8579.

 

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08-03-20 Midwest Fax Calumet.pdf (49.65 kB)