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Macomb, IL – Developers of the Cardinal Point Wind Energy Project provided an update to local government and economic development leaders.
The gathering took place at the Spoon River College campus in Macomb on October 19. Audience members questioned representatives of Element Power about the time line for the project, the expected tax revenue, and other issues.
Joel Link, Vice President, Central Development for Element Power, said construction could begin early next year in northern McDonough County.
"We're hoping to finish our permitting at the end of this year," Link said. "Then finish up our environmental work this winter and spring. Best case scenario, we could start construction of the first phase of the project in the Spring of 2011."
Link said the first phase will be completed by the end of 2011 if construction begins in the spring.
He said the first phase could include up to 100 wind turbines. The plan is to eventually build 100 to 150 turbines in McDonough County.
Regarding tax revenue, Link said:
"For 200 megawatts it would be approximately $1.6 million per year. The entire three county (wind farm), if it's fully built out, would be closer to $3.2 million per year."
Link said the company is still working to acquire land in Warren and Henderson Counties and complete environmental studies. It could be 2012 or 2013 before construction begins in those counties.
Link said Cardinal Point could create 12 to 18 full-time jobs. Those would include technicians to work on and maintain the turbines, a plant manager, and an on-site accountant.
The company calls Cardinal Point a "multi-phased $800+ million project that will be located across 30,000 acres or more of farmland."
The company also said it will produce enough pollution-free energy to power more than 100,000 average homes.