HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County commissioners now have a chance to make the final decision on NextEra’s wind farm proposal after the planning commission voted not to recommend the conditional use permit.

There is a protest period currently underway where those opposed to the project can try to force a supermajority vote for the permit to be approved.

The commissioners set a date of May 21 for a special meeting to decide whether the project proceeds. This meeting will be held at the Atrium Hotel and Conference Center to allow space for those wanting to attend.

NextEra wants to build as many as 83 wind turbines on land in the southeastern part of Reno County. The company would like to begin construction this summer and be operational by the end of the year.