Spirit Lake, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — It seems that everything has been said about a proposed wind farm in Dickinson County,but not everyone has had the chance to say it. The second of the scheduled three nights of public imputran until 12:30 Tuesday morning. The third night of comments will resume tonight at 6. The board is meeting is the Board of Supervisors room, which comfortably seats about 70 people. The overflow crowd Tuesday evening stood in the hallway at the courthouse or sat in second floor courtrooms watching the proceeds on a video hookup. County Attorney Steve Goodlow says they’re ready to burn the midnight oil again this evening and will NOT extend the comment period beyond this evening’s scheduled session.

Proponents of the Red Rock Wind Farm say it provides reliable rental income to farmers, jobs for the local economy, and will provide millions of dollars in property tax revenue 40 years into the future. Opponents repeatedly bring up concerns about bird migration, human health, and issues with flickering lights and noise that can be heard well beyond the proposed 16-hundred-foot buffer zone.

The Iowa Great Lakes Association has gone on record as opposed to the project. President Bill Van Orsdell says the financial gain will not out weight the potential loss in revenue if potential tourists can see industrial wind turbines on the Okoboji horizon.

The original construction permit requested by the wind farm’s parent company – Invenergy – was for 79 wind turbines with a 12-hundred-foot buffer zone. It was denied. The new application is for 63 units with a 16-hundred-foot buffer.