Local Support for $20 Million Ogallala Wind Project

Aug. 16, 2010 - PRLog -- Local officials, companies, and individuals expressed support today for a proposed $20 million wind farm that if approved, would be built on farm ground southeast of Ogallala.  The proposed Ogallala Wind Project would inject $4 million in local materials and labor and generate more than $35,000 of annual tax revenues most going to the Ogallala Public Schools - relieving the pressure to raise property taxes.

“For rural Nebraska to survive and thrive during these difficult economic times, it is essential to broaden the tax base,” said Tim Geisert, president of the Nebraska Energy Export Association and an Ogallala native.  “Adding $20 million of new property value in Keith County producing a yearly tax increase of over $35,000 of new dollars through the production of Nebraska-made energy is an opportunity we can’t afford to pass up.”

State Senator Ken Schilz, who represents the district where the project would be built, said Western Nebraska is ready for the opportunity.

“I hope that the folks who are tasked with making this decision understand the importance of the project, as well as the signal it sends to Nebraskans and those watching around the world.  I’m confident the hard working and forward thinking citizens of Ogallala and this area will support this project with open arms,” he said.

Doug Teaford, Keith County Commissioner, said the proposed wind project is an opportunity to improve the area’s economy.

“This project would provide a much needed economic boost for construction, transportation, employment, and support schools and other important public services,” Teaford said.

Green Oak Renewables, LLC, a Michigan wind energy company, will present a plan to the Nebraska Public Power District on September 1 to build the 10 megawatt Ogallala Wind Project.  Howard Graves, vice president of International Industrial Contracting Corporation who is working with GOR, said the project will source nearly all needed materials and labor locally.

“Local contractors and workers are essential to the success of our projects.  We expect to spend approximately $4 million on Nebraska materials and labor for the construction of this wind farm,” Graves said.

“This proposed wind farm could become an economic stimulus engine for Ogallala and the surrounding area.  If approved and supported by the community, this wind farm could be the beginning of a new era of growth for the Ogallala area,” Geisert said.

Headquartered in Bad Axe, Michigan, Green Oak Renewables, LLC assists landowners, landowner groups, government planning groups, lenders, and potential investors develop small scale wind projects from concept through completion.  To learn more, visit http://www.greenoakrenewables.com.

Representing Nebraska landowners and ratepayers, the mission of the Nebraska Energy Export Association is to promote wind energy development in Nebraska, creating renewable energy through a public-private partnership that reduces taxes for all Nebraskans.  To learn more, visit http://www.nebraskaenergyexport.org.

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