Wind Farm Could Spark Better Days in Connersville

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The executive director of the Economic Development Group in Connersville is calling a planned $250 million wind energy project in east central Indiana a “huge victory” for the business community. Dan Parker believes the Whitewater Wind Farm can help reduce the perception that Connersville and Fayette County won't “roll out the welcome mat for new business.” The turbines will stretch throughout parts of Fayette, Rush and Henry counties. Parker says the project is expected to inject tens of millions of dollars into the economy. He says turbine components from a separate wind project in Randolph County passed through Fayette County while he was meeting with business prospects. Parker says those sightings served as conversation starters about the Whitewater project, which he can now point to as evidence of the community taking “progressive” steps for the future.

Fayette County, where the bulk of the turbines will be located, approved tax abatement on the project. Parker says Florida-based developer NextEra Energy Resources LLC plans to invest $140 million in his county alone.

Source: Inside INdiana Business