Etowah County Alabama

Etowah County has been selected to be the first site in Alabama for a wind energy farm. Pioneer Green Energy is the developer The site will be located on a ridgeline of lookout mountain and could include up to (40) 2.0 megawatts turbines. Total capacity of the site would exceed 80 megawatts Project is estimated to generate an increase in local tax revenues between $1.3 to $2.2 million in the first year. Subsequent year local tax revenues estimated between $709,000 to $1.14 million annually.

Project construction would provide to 377 temporary jobs and generate activity of $33.5 million to $54 million. The operation of the project Is likely to provide 26.7 to 43.2 permanent jobs. Installation cost is estimated between $74.8 million to $108 million. Construction Phase economic labor impact total effect $41,899,850 Operational Phase economic labor impact total effect $5,507,163 annually. Energy produced will be enough to supply approximately 24,000 homes.

Project Location

There is opposition to the project, however the County Commission has taken the stance that they recognize the venture as business between private land owners and a private company. Etowah County Commission has no regulatory controls or authority on project feasibility or location.. The Commission has not been approach for any tax abatements associated with the projector. The County Commission has pointed out that without home rule, the Commission has no legal authority to regulate the project.

Economic Impact analysis prepared by Jacksonville State University – Center for Economic Development