December 8, 2017 at 6:31 p.m.
Windy reception
NextEra celebrates Bluff Point facility
Windy reception
It’s been more than 11 years since the idea was first raised about the possibility of building a wind farm in Jay County.
It took until June 2016 for the final go-ahead for the project to move forward.
And in October, all 57 turbines went into operation.
Thursday, it was time to celebrate.
NextEra Energy Resources and American Electric Power representatives, government officials from the local level to Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, property owners and others gathered in a tent Thursday near the base of a turbine at 7489 S. 100 East to celebrate the long process that led to what is now Bluff Point Wind Energy Center.
“Our faith has been tested many, many times in the development of this project,” said NextEra project manager Zach Melda, referencing the long timeline. “And there were a lot of times of uncertainty. …
“We’re standing here today in front of a marvel of technology. And I couldn’t be prouder to be here celebrating this event with you.”
In addition to hearing from Michelle Wheeler of NextEra, Brian Bergsma of Indiana Michigan Power (a subsidiary of American Electric Power), Jay County Council member Jeanne Houchins, Melda and Crouch, attendees at Thursday’s event were able to enter the base of a turbine and learn about how it operates. The Jay County High School band also performed as part of the ceremony.
It took until June 2016 for the final go-ahead for the project to move forward.
And in October, all 57 turbines went into operation.
Thursday, it was time to celebrate.
NextEra Energy Resources and American Electric Power representatives, government officials from the local level to Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, property owners and others gathered in a tent Thursday near the base of a turbine at 7489 S. 100 East to celebrate the long process that led to what is now Bluff Point Wind Energy Center.
“Our faith has been tested many, many times in the development of this project,” said NextEra project manager Zach Melda, referencing the long timeline. “And there were a lot of times of uncertainty. …
“We’re standing here today in front of a marvel of technology. And I couldn’t be prouder to be here celebrating this event with you.”
In addition to hearing from Michelle Wheeler of NextEra, Brian Bergsma of Indiana Michigan Power (a subsidiary of American Electric Power), Jay County Council member Jeanne Houchins, Melda and Crouch, attendees at Thursday’s event were able to enter the base of a turbine and learn about how it operates. The Jay County High School band also performed as part of the ceremony.
The wind farm, which generates 120 megawatts of energy, became fully operational Oct. 27 after construction began in May. The $200 million project, which includes 44 turbines in Jay County and 13 in Randolph County, is expected to result in about $30 million in property tax revenue over the life of the facility.
NextEra’s agreement with the county also calls for nearly $1 million in payments to Jay County Development Corporation for economic development. And during Thursday’s event, the company also presented JCHS with a $5,000 check to go toward its science, technology and math programs.
It’s those economic benefits, in addition to the clean energy, that Pike Township farmer Bob Lyons has touted while advocating for the wind farm from the beginning and throughout the process until finally seeing it come to fruition this year.
“It’s kind of rewarding,” said Lyons, before going right back into advocate mode. “What everybody doesn’t realize is this is going to help everybody in the county — over $1 million per year in taxes. And it’s not going to go away after 25 years. They have the right to renew it for an additional 25, which I think they’ll do. …
“We have nine full-time jobs, 40 landowners that are going to get annual payments. …
“I just see a lot of plusses on this.”
NextEra’s agreement with the county also calls for nearly $1 million in payments to Jay County Development Corporation for economic development. And during Thursday’s event, the company also presented JCHS with a $5,000 check to go toward its science, technology and math programs.
It’s those economic benefits, in addition to the clean energy, that Pike Township farmer Bob Lyons has touted while advocating for the wind farm from the beginning and throughout the process until finally seeing it come to fruition this year.
“It’s kind of rewarding,” said Lyons, before going right back into advocate mode. “What everybody doesn’t realize is this is going to help everybody in the county — over $1 million per year in taxes. And it’s not going to go away after 25 years. They have the right to renew it for an additional 25, which I think they’ll do. …
“We have nine full-time jobs, 40 landowners that are going to get annual payments. …
“I just see a lot of plusses on this.”
Top Stories
9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit
Chartwells marketing
September 17, 2024 7:36 a.m.
Events
250 X 250 AD