Navitas Energy, a Minneapolis based developer of wind energy conversion projects, filed an application on the morning of December 12, 2008, in Woodford County requesting a special use permit for a wind farm in the Minonk Township area. The project will consist of 87 turbines, 65 of which would be located in Woodford County.  The total generating capacity of 200 megawatts is enough to supply the electricity needs of approximately 60,000 homes.  Local benefits include approximately $1.9 million per year in property taxes when constructed.  Navitas is developing the project on behalf of operator Babcock & Brown.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to improve services throughout Woodford County and specifically the students of Fieldcrest district,” said Randy Vincent, superintendent of Fieldcrest School District 6, which serves students in Woodford, Marshall, LaSalle and Livingston counties.  “Rural counties in Illinois struggle to get any type of economic development.  We strongly encourage the Woodford County Board to approve the project.”  

Navitas Energy’s Head of Development Wanda Davies expressed excitement about the partnership with farmers and local governments. “The wind industry is the fastest growing segment of the energy industry, and Woodford County has an historic opportunity to lead the way into a clean energy economy,” said Davies.  “The Minonk Wind Farm will truly be a community partnership--with local, regional, national and global benefits.  Everybody wins, from local taxpayers, landowners, and ultimately consumers of energy.”

For the past few months representatives of Navitas have been meeting with residents near the project site to share information about the plan and gather feedback.  “We are working to build a long term relationship,” Davies added, “so it was important to first hear from the community.”

The wind farm will extend into Waldo and Nebraska Townships in Livingston County. An application for that portion of the project is expected to be filed in the coming months.

Copies of the Woodford County application are available at the County or upon request.