With the Zoning Board of Appeals hearings to begin on a proposed wind farm in DeWitt County, Tradewind Energy says they are excited about the upcoming series of hearings.

Tom Swierczewski is project development manager for the Alta Farms II wind project in northwest DeWitt County and he indicates they are excited to get their story and plans out for the first time to the public. 

The much-anticipated series of meetings will be held at Clinton High School starting tomorrow night with several hundred expected to be in attendance throughout the few weeks of the testimony. Swierczewski says they will be available for questions from the ZBA and the public.

The ZBA has set aside two weeks for the hearings. Swierczewski says they are looking forward to the hearings and are hoping once they wrap up they can get before the County Board, get approval there and begin their project.

Swiercewski says they are continuing negotiations with Arcosa, formerly Trinity Structural Towers, and they hope they can reach an agreement upon getting their special use permit. He indicates Arcosa serviced the towers that are now at the Mt. Pulaski wind farm. 

The dates for the hearings will be Tuesday, February 5. Then Thursday, February 7 and Friday, February 8 and then February 19 through February 22 (Tuesday-Friday). 

The hearings will last from 5 pm to 10 pm. 

Anyone wishing to speak before the ZBA must sign up on the first night of the hearings otherwise your testimony will not be heard. 

After all the testimonies have been heard, the ZBA will make their decision, however that date has not been determined.