Commissioners in Alfalfa County welcomed back representatives from NextEra Energy during Monday morning’s meeting for an update on the Skeleton Creek wind farm project that was due to start this month. Elinore Beitler, project manager, along with co-worker Terry Bryant, initially visited with commissioners back in April when they introduced the huge NextEra Energy project. Skeleton Creek was planned to be located in the northwest corner of Garfield County and the southeast corner of Alfalfa County originally, but mitigation with Enid’s Vance Air Force Base (in Garfield County) has since caused a delay in construction. Because of the military’s concern with the wind turbines' proximity to the Vance AFB, previous agreements have been reopened for modification.
The project will definitely be started no later than February of 2020, Beitler said, even though she is hoping to begin in November. The project manager also said Skeleton Creek will be completely finished up by next June.
“Alfalfa County will definitely be the majority of this project ... hands down,” Beitler said, with Bryant adding, “You’re going to send your wind and sun to Anadarko and they’re going to send you money. It’s a win-win. It’s Oklahomans helping Oklahomans.” The duo said Skeleton Creek is presently the largest hybrid project in the country being developed to combine wind and solar energy storage.
During the meeting, commissioners approved their routine business items, including a road crossing permit for $2,375. No action was taken on seeking bids on building construction for Aline Responders, or on a schedule of expenditures of federal awards.
Commissioners approved two other items; a declaration of surplus for a John Deere backhoe and a written quote from Rick Dietz Construction on bridge equipment and labor in District 1.
Local optometrist and Representative of the House, Carl Newton, was present in the gallery as well as Alfalfa County Assessor Jennifer Roach.
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