Spirit Lake, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — A wind company previously denied a construction permit in the Iowa Great Lakes has filed a new request. RedRock Wind Project L.L.C. would like to construct 67 wind energy conversion systems. Supporters say construction will be a windfall for farmers who rent out land to the company, employees, and even taxpayers who will reap the benefits of additional property tax. Detractors have formed an opposition group called Dickinson County S.O.S. for “Save our Skies.” Arguments against the project range from concerns about migratory birds, to health concerns, to those who just don’t like the way they look.

Due to the extensive interest in past public hearings the Dickinson County Board of Adjustment have set aside three nights for the public to voice their opinion: Monday April 28th, Tuesday April 29th, and Wednesday April 30th all at 6pm at the Dickinson County Board of Supervisor’s meeting room at the courthouse.

The two new members of the Dickinson County board of Supervisors recently proposed discontinuing tax incentives for wind farms. Levi Markwardt and Steve Dullard voted yes for the new ordinance. Supervisors Kim Wermersen and Bill Leupold voted to keep the incentives in place. Supervisor Steve Clark abstained saying he had a potential conflict of interest.

The city of Milford is following the project closely as well. Mayor Steve Anderson says the height of the proposed structures and their proximity to town would prevent future growth and also limits usage and a potential relocation of the Milford airport.