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WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – Marathon County residents confronted leaders of the proposed Hub City Wind Farm project during a meeting, Thursday, expressing concerns about farmland use and property values.
Residents did not hold back their frustrations. “I did not move my family here expected to live near an industry scale energy facility,” the resident said. “I moved here because of the landscape, the wildlife, the rural character of the community.”
Committee leaders said they can propose changes to make the project more appealing to locals. However, their authority over whether the project moves forward is limited.
“All the meetings of the county are open in the towns and they can go to those meetings,” said John Robison of the Alternative Energy Project Impact Advisory Committee. “But we don’t have the ability under state law to stop the project. Any energy system over 100 mega watts which this one is is regulated by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. And the role of local government is limited so the only way we can affect change is through discussion and joint development agreements and/or other agreements.”
Project manager Ben Tanko addressed the concerns in a news release. He said “The Hub City project is rooted in reliability and affordability for customers and represents a significant investment in Wisconsin’s energy future by driving a more resilient, secure energy grid, promoting economic growth and creating new opportunities for rural areas.”
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