HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After a nearly two-hour discussion, county commissioners got an earful from some residents about the proposed wind farm in the southeast part of the county. Concerns were raised about contracts and how the turbines would affect wildlife near Cheney Lake.

The “Silverlake Wind Energy Project” is in the early stages, according to Next Era Energy officials. An environmental study, which usually takes a year to complete, is currently being conducted. Officials are still engaging landowners.

Because officials are still listening to landowners, requests for permits and zoning have not been made. However, there are areas in the southeast corner where special use permits and hearings won’t be needed because the land is not part of county zoning.

Officials say they do need zoning for part of the area; it is subject to a hearing before both the planning and the county commission can move forward.

The commission chamber was packed with concerned county residents wondering how this could impact their properties. Officials say it shouldn’t have any impact on property values.

Commissioners noted that the wind towers would include equipment from Siemens in Hutchinson. A job fair would be held before construction to find local workers. Officials estimate a need for approximately 250 workers during construction. Upon the project’s completion, 15 to 20 full-time workers would be needed.

This was a presentation only. No decisions have been made.