The Grant County Board of Commissioners has given formal approval to a 300-megawatt wind energy project being proposed throughout a large section of the county by Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy Corporation.
At yesterday’s (Tuesday’s) meeting, the commissioners formally endorsed a proposed two phase Dakota Range Wind energy project with the majority the proposed wind farm extending throughout portions of Grant and Codington counties. David Lau, project manager for Dakota Range Wind Incorporated was on hand to further discuss the project with the commissioners during yesterday’s (Tuesday’s) meeting.
Project developers are proposing to install about 200 wind turbines within the entire project area beginning in 2020 with the system expected to be in full operation by 2021, pending regulatory approval.
In other business, members of the Milbank High School FFA Ag Issues team gave a presentation on the issue of curly-leaf pond weed and its impact on Big Stone Lake. Research by local team members has revealed that the invasive weed was first detected in Big Stone Lake more than seven years ago.
The group’s research further revealed that the problem originally started along the north part of the lake and has since gradually made it way south encompassing a larger area each year. Additional research by the Department of Natural Resources has shown that the increased presence of curly-leaf pond weed may ultimately have a negative impact on overall water quality and fish habitat. The Milbank FFA Ag Issues Team noted that very little has been done to curb the problem at this time and they are hoping to make the issue better known to local officials in an effort to make Big Stone Lake more friendly for aquatic species, as well as those who utilize the lake on a regular basis.
In another matter, the commissioners approved signing a formal document acknowledging the final completion of the new storm shelter project at the Riggins Trailer Park east of Milbank. Grant County Emergency Management Director Sheryl Ward informed the board that the state can’t take action on the matter until the county is ready to sign off on the project. Now that the final document has been formally approved by the county, the state can now proceed with completing the necessary paperwork marking the shelter’s final completion.
