Contact:
Roger Putnam
608-577- 7175
Major victory for local residents, economic development and environment
(Madison, Wis.) – After four long years, the Highland Wind Farm has cleared its final regulatory
hurdle as the Wisconsin Public Service Commission of Wisconsin today voted in favor of
advancing the $250 million project in St. Croix County’s Town of Forest.
“This is a tremendous development for the advancement of renewable energy in Wisconsin,” said
Bill Rakocy, manager of Highland Wind Farm LLC. “We have been diligent, transparent and never
gave up on the idea that this project will benefit the community and the state.”
State regulators approved the project in October 2013, but were court-ordered by the St. Croix
County circuit court last year to reconsider two prevailing issues – the need for additional public
hearings related to the project and stricter noise compliance standards for certain residences
located near turbines. The commissioners rejected the need for both today on a 2-0 vote
(Commissioner Mike Huebsch abstained).
Commission Chair Ellen Nowak said that the commission had received “more than enough” input
and evidence in the case and that scientific studies show “no causal link” between wind turbine
noise and health issues.
The approved wind farm will consist of 44 wind turbines strategically located across more than
six-thousand acres and will generate 102.5 megawatts, enough to power more 35,000 homes. An
electric substation is also required to be built in the neighboring Town of Cylon.
“Town residents and the community will see near-immediate economic benefits in the form of
land-use payments totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars annually,” said Rakocy.
Barring any future litigation, developers for Highland Wind Farm hope to break ground for the
project this year in December.
For more information, go to www.highlandwindpower.com
