Stark wind farm plans removed

BISMARCK - The developer of a proposed $250 million wind farm in Stark County has withdrawn its permit application to the North Dakota Public Service Commission.
Dickinson Wind LLC filed its notice of withdrawal on June 5, citing the Stark County Board of Commissioners’ decision last month to deny its application for a conditional use permit for the 87-turbine wind farm that would have straddled Interstate 94 between Gladstone and Richardton.
The PSC had previously postponed a public hearing on the project at the request of Dickinson Wind LLC, a subsidiary of Wilton, Conn.-based NextEra Energy Resources.
PSC Commissioner Brian Kalk wouldn’t speculate on the company’s next move but said the withdrawn application underscores the importance of local approval for projects.
Opponents complained that the project would spoil scenic views and discourage people from visiting the area, while some of the roughly 80 landowners who signed easements for the project said their property rights were disregarded.