Harvest Ridge Wind Farm plans public open house

The Harvest Ridge Wind Farm, under development by EDP Renewables, is holding a public open house on Thursday, November 1, at the Newman Community Center. Community members are invited to come anytime between 4 and 8 pm to learn more about the proposed wind farm and EDP Renewables. In addition, there will be educational materials, activities for kids, door prizes, and a meal featuring pulled pork and brisket from local caterer Terry Payton.

“We are excited to share details about the Harvest Ridge Wind Farm with the community,” said Amy Kurt, Project Manager of the Harvest Ridge Wind Farm. “We are planning a fun and educational event for everyone to learn the facts about the wind farm and the benefits it will bring to the area.”

P Renewables already owns and operates five wind farms in Illinois and employs more than 60 people in the state. The proposed Harvest Ridge Wind Farm will create more than 250 jobs during construction and 8 to 10 permanent local jobs to operate and maintain the wind farm once it’s operational.

“I encourage everyone to come out and get the facts on the Harvest Ridge Wind Farm,” said Russ Brooks, a Newman resident. “I’ve done a lot of research on the project and am looking forward to the benefits that it will bring to the community. I hope people take this opportunity to show up and have their questions answered.”

The Harvest Ridge Wind Farm will bring more than $50 million in tax revenue to Douglas County, its schools, townships, and other public services over the project’s lifetime. The biggest beneficiaries of tax dollars are the local schools with more than $800,000 projected for the Shiloh School District in the first year alone. Villa Grove, Heritage High School and Parkland Community College are also projected to receive tax dollars from the Harvest Ridge Wind Farm.