Kittitas County residents weigh rewards vs. hazards

ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- With what brought them together blowing strongly outside, Kittitas County residents had one last chance Monday to public express their views on the proposed Desert Claim wind farm, northwest of here.

While the wind blew in one direction throughout a hearing attended by more than 60 people at the Hal Holmes Center, the feelings of residents went both ways.

What played out during the slightly more than one-hour hearing framed the classic debate about economic benefits of jobs and revenue vs. the effects on lives, land values and a way of life for those who live nearby.

John Burger was typical. The rural resident told the state Energy Facilities Site Evaluation Council he understands wind's economic allure. But he said it needs to be measured against a life in case of a turbine fire.

"If we are out there and a machine goes and my grandson dies, who will pay to bring him back? Before you take this back to Olympia, think it over twice," he told the council.

Roger Clerf of Cle Elum took the opposite view.

"We need the energy this project will provide. It is renewable and free for the taking," he said. "The jobs for construction and continuing operation are from private investment, not government spending like we have today."

The council, which assumed jurisdiction over siting the 95-turbine project on 5,200 acres, is expected to make a recommendation to Gov. Chris Gregoire within two months.

Desert Claim, being developed by French firm EnXco, would be the fourth wind project in Kittitas County and would generate enough electricity for 57,000 homes and provide tax revenues to the state, the county and the Ellensburg School District.

An economic study prepared by an economics consulting firm, ECONorthwest, suggests those economic benefits would be substantial.

The study projects the project will create 282 jobs, $33 million in economic activity statewide and $995,000 in new state and local tax revenue during construction. Operation would create 36 jobs.

It was jobs that brought Dan Morgan, owner of Morgan and Son Earthmoving to the hearing.

"I have employees who aren't working who need to be working," he said.

Retired school administrator Don Price of Ellensburg testified a properly sited wind farm will help Ellensburg schools by providing needed tax revenues for school levies and bonds.

"It may make the difference between passage or failure of future bond issues and levies," Price said.

Edward Lulofs, an adjunct professor at Central Washington University, testified he is concerned about liability insurance, inadequate firefighting capacity and impacts on birds from the wind farm.

"I don't understand why company profits and short-term goals are being put ahead of our eagles and our citizens," he said.

Roger Overbeck of Ellensburg, who owns property near the site, called for the company to post a surety bond in case the project causes harm to property.

Linda Huber of Kittitas, located near the Wild Horse Wind Farm of Puget Sound Energy, testified the tax revenues helped the school district pay off a construction bond issue two years early.

"This is our chance to make this the windmill energy center of the Northwest," she said.

* David Lester can be reached at 509-577-7674 or dlester@yakimaherald.com.

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