Town hall meeting to cover Frontier County wind potential

STOCKVILLE -- Before wind energy can be developed, four key questions need to be answered:

* Are there locations in Frontier County suitable for wind energy site development?

* Are there landowners who are interested in site development on their land?

* Are there wind energy developers who are interested in the prospect of development within the county?

* Is there a reasonable market for generated energy?

The Frontier County Board of commissioners has an interest in the economic development of the county and has chosen to address the above questions and issues.

Between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, a town hall- type meeting will be held at the County Fairgrounds in Stockville to inform the public and landowners on the importance of the formation of landowner associations.

A landowner association comprises landowners who have a common goal with similar objectives, and, collectively, members are able to protect the interest of association members and surrounding landowners.

Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning has reminded landowners to use caution when approached by wind energy developers.

Developers are seeking to enter into agreements with Nebraska farmers, ranchers and other landowners for the wind rights on their land. As with any contract, once you sign on the dotted line, you are making a commitment that could affect you for a long time.

It is important to clearly understand the terms of the agreement and to consult a legal or financial professional before signing anything. Agreements have a long-term impact not only on the value of land, but on landowners and future generations.

Frontier County landowners must carefully consider the wind industry and its potential for future profitability in the county and the entire state. Presenters at this meeting are individuals representing a county that has organized landowner associations. As a result, there are locations within their county that are under contract with a developer. The ultimate goal of the county board is to protect and promote the wind energy resources within the County.