Crawford-Richland wind-farm project gains support

MANSFIELD -- Richland and Crawford County officials voiced concerns but offered support for a future wind farm during Wednesday's meeting with an alternative energy company.

David Hettich, vice president of business development with Gary Energetics (of Denver, Colo.), and colleagues sought comments regarding Phase 1 of the wind project.

"Why are we here? We need new sources of energy," Hettich said in a conference room at the Braintree Center for Business Innovation, 201 E. Fifth St. "This is a very large project, and we need public input and participation."

Hettich gave a presentation on the specifics of installing as many as 112 Vestas 1.8 megawatt wind turbines across Richland and Crawford Counties starting in the second half of 2010. The turbines would be located at various sites encompassing about 46,000 acres of land across the county's borderline.

Several topics and issues were raised by those in attendance, including commissioners in both counties, township trustees and county engineers. Richland County Engineer Thomas Beck inquired about the transportation of wind turbine parts on city and township roads and responsibility for the restoration of the roads.

In response, Hettich said developers are responsible for costs of rebuilding roads.

Crawford County Engineer Cecil Newcome is concerned with the safety of motorists and monitoring of the turbine transportation and construction process.

"I'm not sure if we want a bunch of poles on a 40-foot right-of-way," Newcome said. "I'm concerned with the safety of motorists, and we have to look at every specific location and make proper judgments."

Despite concerns, both counties are ready to move forward. Public meeting are July 14 in Shelby.

"This is a project that America wants," said Jeffery Lang, vice president of Operations with Gary Energetics. The people have spoken ... what we want is a win-win where the county and the landowners benefit from this."