Buckeye wind project “ready to set a spade in”

buckeye wind commissioners sign — Ellis County Commissioners Barbara Wasinger, Dean Haselhorst and Swede Holmgren sign the final agreements Monday morning for the Invenergy Buckeye Wind Project.

It’s been seven years in the making.

Monday morning, Ellis County Commissioners signed off on the final documents for the Buckeye Wind project by Invenergy.

Three supplemental agreements were reviewed by Dennis Davidson, the county’s counselor for wind-related issues. “All three agreements are a good balance of the best interest of all involved,” said Davidson.

Agreements were signed involving road maintenance, payment in lieu of taxes and project decommissioning.

Prior to construction, Buckeye Wind will furnish a $1.32 million commercial surety bond which remains in force until the decommissioning is complete. Estimated cost of decommissioning will be updated every five years.

“Ellis County has been working on a wind energy project for seven years,” said Swede Holmgren at the conclusion of the 20-minute special meeting.

buckeye wind map — The Buckeye Wind Energy Project proposed layout of GE turbines north of I-70 and near the Trego County line.

“Now on November 25, it’s now clear to set a spade in the ground. It’s been a long project, not without pain, and we appreciate everyone involved, including past commissioners,” said Holmgren.

“It’s a great day for Ellis County,” added commission chairman Dean Haselhorst.

At the request of commissioner Barbara Wasinger, a meeting between the Buckeye project manager and local emergency departments will be scheduled soon.

“It’s a priority,” said Wasinger, “for Emergency Manager Bill Ring, the county and city fire departments and EMS to know exactly where the towers will be and how far from the city they are.”