HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As we mentioned earlier in the week, the Florida company wanting to build a wind farm in the southern and southeastern parts of the county has yet to file an application for a special use permit for the project.

It has become quite controversial. Residents that will be affected by the project wanted a moratorium so more study could be done. They would also like to see regulations for such projects put in place.

That failed to get past the Reno County Commission mainly because commissioners Dan Deming and Bob Bush were concerned it might kill the project.

Commissioner Dan Deming, who leaves office Jan. 14, says he understands the two sides. He says both sides have a good case to be made:

 

He also talked about the need for oversight and regulations to make sure those living near the project have some protections:

 

Deming says it is too early to know which way this project will go since it is in the hands of the Reno County Planning Commission once NextEra files its application:

 

NextEra needs to have the application filed by Jan. 15 in order to be on the planning commission’s February agenda.