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Gilliam County approves Strategic Investment Program deal for Leaning Juniper repower; developer outlines $170–$190 million upgrade

2716510 · March 20, 2025

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Summary

The county court adopted a Strategic Investment Program agreement and resolution seeking a state tax exemption for Leaning Juniper Wind Power 2 LLC and held a public hearing where the developer described a major repower investment that could extend the project life by at least 15 years.

The Gilliam County Court approved a Strategic Investment Program (SIP) agreement with Leaning Juniper Wind Power 2 LLC and adopted a resolution requesting that the Oregon Business Commission exempt the project from property taxation under SIP program rules.

During a public hearing, representatives for Auben Grid Power (presenting as AvanGrid/Auburn Grid Power) described a proposed “repower” of an existing Leaning Juniper wind facility. Company representative Darren Kavanaugh said the upgrade would cost between $170 million and $190 million, replace major nacelle components, lengthen blades and refurbish generators to capture more wind and extend the facility’s productive life. Kavanaugh said the original commercial operation date was about 2011 and that the company expects at least 15 additional years of life after the upgrades; he also estimated full construction mobilization could bring up to 200 contract workers during the work.

The county held a public comment period during the hearing. Local speakers from Condon and other communities urged continued use of SIP and other community funds for housing and downtown façade work, noting that past SIP-supported projects have supported housing and infrastructure. County assayor and staff acknowledged the complexity of SIP accounting and said Business Oregon staff had assisted the county through review.

The court voted to approve the SIP agreement (motion moved and seconded; unanimous “Aye”) and then approved resolution R2025-03 requesting the Oregon Business Commission exempt Leaning Juniper Wind Power 2 LLC from property taxation under the SIP; both votes carried unanimously. Judge Patnode said the resolution should not be read as the county receiving no benefit; the county will receive community service payments and other payments despite the tax exemption.

County staff said the signed agreement and resolution would be submitted to Business Oregon for processing. Representatives of the project remained in the meeting and expected to complete signature steps that day.

Speakers: Darren Kavanaugh (Auburn Grid Power) described the repower technical scope and economic impacts; Tom Russell (company tax/financial lead) and Gilliam County Assessor Chet Wilkins attended and answered procedural questions from the court and public.