The Ohio House last week heard testimony on a bill, sponsored by Reps. Tim Brown (R., Bowling Green) and Tony Burkley (R., Payne), that would help further wind farm project development in northwest Ohio (“Lawmakers urge easing wind power rules,” May 28).

Last year, the General Assembly implemented highly stringent wind setback requirements, making project development nearly impossible. As a result, projects won’t move forward in the region, and more than half a billion dollars of investment per project are on hold.

The bill would provide local control for determining wind setback requirements, so local counties that want to do so would be able to attract this investment. The bill would continue the current way wind farms pay local taxes. Often, these projects are the largest tax providers to schools and local government.

In Van Wert County, we know firsthand how these projects are a boon to the local economy. Blue Creek Wind Farm — a $600 million project in our county — pays $2 million annually in local taxes and nearly as much in landowner lease payments.

Our county was struggling in 2011 when the wind farm was built. More than $25 million was spent in our community during the project’s construction. 

Our schools are the primary beneficiaries of the local taxes. One school district in our county is not collecting on an improvement levy because of the annual tax payment, and another is making bond payments early.

Our county has other wind farms in various stages of development that can bring additional economic development benefits.

Let’s get the wind industry back on its feet in Ohio and urge the General Assembly to pass this common-sense, pro-business legislation before lawmakers leave for summer recess.

SUSAN MUNROE

President/​CEO Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce Van Wert, Ohio

First Published June 4, 2015, 4:00 a.m.