![]() The first wind energy company visited Benton County in 2006 to meet with farm landowners and city officials. Additionally, tax revenue opportunities presented by local wind farms can benefit residents of rural counties. Wind farms provide clean, renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The Toolbox for Renewable Energy Project Development examines six key issues associated with developing on-site solar projects and then offers summaries, identifies key resources, and addresses major questions and hurdles related to each topic.The project manager ensured reinforcement of roads pre-post conditions were captured.The project manager analyzed traffic information and created road use agreements for implementation.Use data analysis in the planning process and during implementation The Renewables Accelerator provides a list of tools, resources, and technical assistance to help US cities advance renewable energy goals.Pattern Energy was required to pay for all road preparation and repairs before and during wind farm construction as a condition of their Road Use Agreement filed through the Board of Zoning Appeals and Advisory Plan Commission.The project owner requested tax abatements from the Benton County Council.Use financial and structural incentives or mandates to encourage renewable energy in the community The USFWS Guidance for Wind Energy and Wildlife provides guidelines to help wind energy project developers avoid and minimize impacts of land-based wind projects on wildlife and their habitats.Sustainable City Code for Energy focuses on energy and helps local communities remove code barriers, create incentives, and fill regulatory gaps.The Board of Zoning Appeals approved special exemptions.The project leveraged local exemptions and coordinated private agreement to lease property for wind installations through a private agreement, Pattern Energy leased property from the landowners for approximately 20 years.Seek necessary approvals or remove policy barriers for clean energy Photo Credit: Benton County Economic Development Director Paul Jackson How did they do it? Action The local government in Benton County, Indiana collaborated with property owners and energy companies to avoid inconveniences that wind power farms could otherwise cause in the future. These issues are less likely and road repairs are easier now that Benton County has revamped the contracts it uses with wind power companies. Before the County implemented a road-use protection agreement process, the transportation of heavy wind farm infrastructure caused preventable damage to rural county roads. With the most wind farms in the state of Indiana, Benton County has refined wind farm requirements by clearly articulating road preparation and repair expectations in road use agreements. ![]()
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