HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County planning commission held a public hearing Thursday afternoon over a conditional use permit for a wind farm in the southern and southeastern parts of Reno County.

Spencer Jenkins with NextEra Energy gave the presentation and outlined the plans for wind turbines. He said the turbines would be located near Pretty Prairie, south of Haven and just north of Cheney Reservoir.

Jenkins also talked about the economic impact of the project, which would initially include 250 jobs while the project is constructed. He says the project would have an $8.4 million impact on the county. NextEra plans to have a job fair to potentially hire from the local area. Once completed, there would be 15 to 20 jobs with a salary of $53,000.

He says NextEra will also invest $1 million for infrastructure improvements in the areas that might be affected.

The company also plans to assist schools. With the contract NextEra made with landowners, the company can decide which schools receive donations. Jenkins says that would come to nearly $1.5 million.

Shadow flicker was addressed. Shadow flicker is a moving shadow cast by the blades of a wind turbine from the sun. Christopher Olson with Environmental Health management, a consultant hired by NextEra, told the planning commission that it should not be a big factor. He says it has not caused issues based on studies at other wind farm locations.

The planning commission then asked questions. Those for and against wind farms were able to make comments. Many had spoken in front of the Reno County Commission about their concerns for the wind farm and had asked commissioners to issue a temporary moratorium to study the effects of wind farms. The commission rejected that request.