Fillmore County updated on proposed wind project

At the December 8 Fillmore County Board meeting, Mark Lennox, NextEra Energy Resources: Timberwolf Wind, updated the board on future plans for a large renewable energy project in south central Fillmore County.

NextEra Energy is the world’s number one generator of wind and solar energy. The company has been making investments in Minnesota since 2000. The planned project area is mostly in Beaver, York, Bristol, and Harmony Townships. The proposed wind project will require a $210 million capital investment. The 200 MW project is expected to produce enough electricity to power 45,000 homes using up to 68 wind turbines. Plans for commercial operation are targeted for the end of 2023.

The project is estimated to provide $38 million in total tax payments; production taxes per unit of energy will be split among the taxing entities. Three hundred jobs will be created during the construction phase and six to eight full-time jobs will be created for ongoing maintenance after construction.

Land acquisition will take place over the next several months and design work will be accomplished over the coming year. Lennox said they will work with townships and counties for the maintenance and rehabilitation of roads that are used during the construction phase. The project will primarily be permitted through the state, due to its 200 MW size. It will take 12 to 16 months for the state reviews. Lennox assured commissioners that they will work closely with the county on a road use agreement.

Other business in brief

• The 2021 Septic Treatment Systems grant was approved. Grant funds in the amount of $18,600 from the state will be used in the administration of the Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Ordinance.

• A resolution was adopted requesting Transportation Alternative federal funding for Lanesboro. The funding ($440,000) would be for TH 250 sidewalk improvements. Because Lanesboro’s population is under 5,000, the county is required to serve as the sponsoring agent if federal funds are received. The city is required to fund a portion of the sidewalk which will need to be ADA compliant.

• County Engineer Ron Gregg recommended passing a resolution for a Local Road Improvement grant, capped at $1.25 million, for the surface reconditioning of CSAH 30 from TH 139 to Niagara Cave. This will be the third time an application has been made for funding to improve the 2.5 mile section of road. The resolution was adopted as presented.

• The retirement of Randy Brevig, Transfer Station Attendant, was accepted with thanks for eight years of service, effective April 2.

• The early retirement of Brian Hoff, Property Appraiser, was accepted with thanks for his 12 years of service, effective March 1.

• The purchase of a newborn oximeter and accessories, used to measure oxygen levels in newborns, was approved at a cost of $956.52.

• A proclamation from the governor’s office recognizing December 9 as County, City, Tribal, and State Health and Human Services Worker Day is to be drafted and signed by the board chairman.

• County Attorney Brett Corson reviewed the ongoing responsibilities of his office. He noted adjustments have been made due to COVID. His office has worked with social services and the sheriff’s office to better serve the people and to provide for public safety. He offered his salary request for 2021 in the amount of $122,000.

• County Recorder David Kiehne updated the board on the ongoing work in his office, plus the additional duties that he has taken on. He offered his salary request for 2021 in the amount of $80,603.

• County Administrator Bobbie Hillery said she would soon have final figures on the amount of CARES dollars to be sent back to the state, which she expects to be nearly $400,000. She noted that they have 90 days to acquire PPE and other items that are in high demand and hard to get. She reported that there continues to be a high number of new COVID cases in the county.

• The final levy/budget will be considered at the board’s December 22 meeting. The final levy will likely be the same as the approved preliminary levy.