CARLOCK -- Construction is expected to start soon on a 100-turbine wind farm in the Carlock area.

Brian Schueler, vice president of development for Invenergy's U.S. North Central area, said the company will file for turbine building permits before March 20. McLean County requires at least one turbine foundation be completed within six months of the permit issuance.

Schueler said the company plans to have the 150-megawatt project completed by January 2012.

Invenergy, of Chicago, already has a contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority for the electricity produced by White Oak Energy Center, Schueler said.

Originally, the White Oak project was expected to include 10 turbines in Woodford County. Those were dropped in October 2008 after the company and a group of homeowners reached an out-of-court settlement.

The landowners, through a group called Information is Power, filed a lawsuit in McLean County, arguing the county zoning board did not give them the opportunity to express their concerns during hearings on a special-use permit for the planned $250 million project.

More recently, opponents placed three advisory referenda on Tuesday's ballot, suggesting a moratorium on special-use permits issued for new wind turbines through Dec. 31, 2013; requiring township road agreements based on current costs; and enacting measures to protect property values before a special-use permit was extended.

Each passed with about 60 percent of the vote. But, because they are advisory, the McLean County Board is not required to enforce them.

Board chairman Matt Sorensen said the board legally can't consider a moratorium unless it is presented to the Zoning Board of Appeals as part of a particular case. Sorensen also said the county's rules for issuing a special-use permit already contain guidelines for considering property values and there also is a provision for roads in the county's code.

Schueler said Invenergy currently does not have plans to expand the wind farm.