FRANKLIN COUNTY, IA - A north Iowa county will soon have more business "blowing" into their area.
Franklin county wind L.L.C. and Alliant Energy are starting construction on a 60 turbine wind farm capable of producing enough clean energy to power about 25,000 homes.
Gov. Terry Branstad and other elected leaders are kicking off construction in Franklin County.
“To me it's very clear evidence that the resident and leaders in Franklin County get it,” said Bill Harvey, CEO of Alliant Energy.
The new $235 million wind farm will be built in addition to the current Whispering Willow East project already in operation. Together the two projects represent about $700 million invested by Alliant.
“I don't know how you define economic development, but $700 million certainly fits my definition,” said Harvey.
Political leaders say that development reaches far beyond the borders of Franklin County.
“Twenty percent of the energy in Iowa is now being generated by wind,” said Gov. Terry Branstad.
Gov. Branstad says Iowa is the second largest wind energy producing state in the country, and that's helping attract other industries.
“One of the best-selling points is the fact that we have affordable, abundant and clean energy and a reliable energy source,” said Branstad.
Branstad says that kind of energy guarantee is what helps create high paying jobs not only in areas with wind farms but all across the state.
“It puts us in a very strong position to create the jobs and the opportunities for the future of this state,” said Branstad.
Something folks in Franklin County are happy to be part of.
“This investment represents an investment in your support, your friendship and your commitment to Iowa’s future,” said Harvey.
Construction on the new wind turbine farm is expected to be complete sometime next year. The farm will produce nearly 100 megawatts of energy.
Governor Branstad says Alliant is also in the early stages of building a new natural gas power plant in the state.
