A proposed wind farm from Alliant Energy that would occupy 48,000 acres in southeast Columbia County is drawing opposition from some area residents, the Wisconsin State Journal reports. The Madison company last week hosted a public information session about the project, which is set to include 40-50 large turbines.
Residents’ worries centered on the presence of wind turbines on farmland, possible threats to birds, infringement on hunting, firefighters’ ability to access turbine fires and potentially decreased property values. Additionally, some residents voiced concern that Alliant would use eminent domain to complete the wind farm.
The company said that over 300 landowners have signed contracts to approve the turbines on their property. Alliant is currently gathering necessary permits for the project, and construction is expected to begin in 2027. The turbines would begin operating in 2028.
The project reportedly is likely to cost over $500 million, and it is projected to power as many as 70,000 homes, or produce 700,000 megawatt-hours annually. Municipalities in which the wind farm is located would receive shared revenue based on the number of turbines they house.
