Wind farms headed to Tippecanoe County

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - When it comes to 'going green', Tippecanoe County is following the lead of nearby counties to develop wind farm technology.

At the County Commissioners meeting Monday, Commissioners approved first reading of an ordinance designed to protect the county and citizens when it comes to companies constructing wind turbines. Commissioner David Byers said there's plenty of interest already.

"Last we know there is. In the southern part of the county, about 90% of the ground is already signed up. We've heard anywhere from 150 to 200 windmills coming in the south part of the county," said Byers.

Byers said it would protect the citizens and the county if problems would arise between them and the companies.

"For example, if these wind farms come in and five years down the road and decide to call it quits, we're protecting them in making the wind energy farms take them down and decommission them. Any roads that might be damaged by their building or constructing this, they're going to reimburse the county and re-fix those roads so everything is taken care of there," said Byers.

Byers said companies would also be required to fix any broken tile.

"That way the wind farm knows what we expect of them and they know what to expect of us," said Byers.

Commissioners also passed first reading of a similar ordinance dealing with the fees a company would pay.

A company would pay $2500 for an initial permit along with $200 per wind turbine.

Byers said there's no word on exactly when a company could start developing wind energy in Tippecanoe County.