A proposed windmill ordinance was discussed by the Washington County Board of Supervisors Tuesday.

Supervisor Richard Young explained that this is the first of two ordinances that the Board would consider regarding windmill development, as the Invenergy developer is currently in talks with landowners to revitalize the Long Creek Wind Farm project that went dormant about 15 years ago. Board Chair Jack Seward, Jr. says the proposed farm would stretch 6-7 miles across central Washington County. The ordinance discussed by the Supervisors would provide for the special valuation of wind energy conversion, and was based on similar ordinances adopted by other Iowa counties. Seward said that this is the first step in getting this information out to the public, and that he wishes they could hold public information meetings on the project.

Seward mentioned during the meeting that without subsidies he doesn’t think the windmill farm would move forward. Young mentioned that a second ordinance would also be considered by the Board which pertains more to the installation and location of the wind turbines. No action was taken on the ordinance, as Seward said it would be placed back on the agenda “when it is appropriate.”