Developers are looking at the New Holland and Middletown area as a possible site for what could be a second wind farm in Logan County.

Landowners have been contacted by representatives from an alliance of two California companies, American Wind Energy Management and Oak Creek Energy Systems, about land lease agreements that could pave the way for a wind farm to be called Sugar Creek Wind One.

The project is in the preliminary stages, so developers don't know how many turbines would be built or how much the project would cost. They companies are looking for test sites now.

"We think Logan County is perfect for a wind farm," says Ken Grismore, Oak Creek's vice president of finance. "It's a flat area in Central Illinois with available farmland and it offers a great deal of advantages."

It is not yet known when the companies will begin the process of applying for permits for Sugar Creek Wind One.

"We're going to take our time and make sure we have everything in order," Grismore said. "Education and communication are very important in this process, and we need to make sure that the landowners and their neighbors are fully informed about our objectives."

Last month, the County Board approved a conditional-use permit for Houston-based Horizon Wind Energy to construct a wind farm near Emden.

One group of area residents opposed that wind farm, and Grismore said his company will take every step possible to satisfy neighbors' concerns.

"For the farming community, we think it's a great way to bring additional income to their farms," Grismore said.

Lincoln and Logan County Development Partnership Director Joel Smiley favors the wind farms because they bring site rental income to landowners, income for local taxing bodies and construction jobs.

The Rail Splitter Wind Farm, which received Logan County Board approval July 18, eventually will have 29 wind turbine towers in Logan County and another 38 in Tazewell County, which also has approved the project.

Smiley said the Rail Splitter project will bring a $200 million investment in the two counties, including $85 million in Logan County. It will include 200 construction jobs and 10 to 15 permanent jobs, Smiley said.

"Those are good jobs for our county," he said.

Grismore said at this time, he isn't aware of any opposition to his company's proposed wind farm, but company officials will be anxious to meet with anyone who has questions about the project and will schedule public hearings for the future.