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Knox County approves road-use and engineering agreements for proposed wind farm
Summary
The board approved a developer-funded road-use agreement and an engineering services contract for Knox County Wind Farm LLC, requiring preconstruction road stabilizations on township routes and financial remedies for damage; both motions passed on roll-call votes.
The Knox County Board voted April 23 to approve a road‑use agreement with Knox County Wind Farm LLC and a separate engineering services contract to oversee construction of a proposed 52‑turbine wind farm.
Dwayne, the county official who described the haul‑route plan, told the board the agreement requires the developer to stabilize and, where necessary, replace culverts and road sections on township roads before heavy construction begins. ‘‘Most of the township roads are going to have to be stabilized before the construction even takes place,’’ he said, adding that the townships likely will have better roads after required improvements.
Board members clarified that the wind‑farm company will pay for preconstruction work and repairs arising from construction, and that significant financial penalties are in the agreement if the developer deviates from negotiated haul routes. Dwayne said townships affected include Ontario, Copley, Walnut Grove and Lynn and estimated about 40 miles of township road would be impacted.
Member Bondi emphasized oversight and said the county will require an engineering firm ‘‘to police the wind farm’’ during construction; the board approved Hutchinson Engineering to serve as that firm. Hutchinson Engineering’s engagement will be paid by the developer, the board was told.
The motions passed by roll call. The clerk recorded votes in favor and the board chair confirmed the approvals.
What happens next: the four township highway commissioners must also approve the road‑use terms and the county’s engineering scope will be used to monitor compliance during construction. The board noted the transmission‑line work by Ameren is a separate matter and would be handled independently.
