Approximately 50 local businesses express interest in proposed Douglas County wind farm

Submitted photo

On Wednesday, Aug. 29, EDP Renewables held an open house for local businesses to learn about the proposed Broadlands wind farm.

Approximately 50 local businesses attended the event and provided information on their capabilities to assist with the project. The wind farm is being proposed in northeastern Douglas County, north of Newman, Ill.

“Building a wind farm can have far reaching benefits for the local community,” stated Amy Kurt, Project Manager with EDP Renewables. “We were so pleased to connect with so many capable local businesses that are interested in the proposed wind farm.”

A wide variety of businesses attended the meeting including concrete and gravel supply and delivery, excavation and restoration, general laborers, accommodations, and other support services for the construction offices.

The wind farm will create up to 250 full-time equivalent jobs during construction, as well as 8-10 permanent jobs to operate and maintain the wind farm once it is in operation. Once operational, the project will pay approximately $2 million in local property taxes each year, which will benefit local schools and other public services.