Phillips County Wind Development Project

Everyone is talking about wind development nowdays!  Well, Phillips County has been for a while, as well.  There continues to be activity for wind development in our area on several fronts.  The most noteworthy is the Pleasant Ridge Wind Project.  Pleasant Ridge Wind, LLC is an organization formed out of a collaboration of landowners across portions of 8 townships in the northern section of Phillips County.  Roughly 33,000 acres cumulatively through these landowners have agreed to utilize Bannister Capital Advisors, LLC as a direct liaison and negociator for wind developers to be recruited into the area.  Bannistor Capital Advisors, LLC is a private consulting business which has experience in negociating in legal terms with wind developers.  At the present time, Mark Bannister and  his three brothers (Joel, Grant, and Ted), have started the process of soliciting wind developers through an offiical RFP (request for Proposals) process.  This process includes all the specifications wanted and agreed upon from all the landowner members of the Pleasant Ridge Wind organization (landowner group). 

While this process continues, the PCED staff has continued to create tools which may help with the marketability of Phillips County for wind development.  Letters were sent out in late 2009, to all landowners in Phillips County, with an “Endorsement of Wind Development” committment sheet.  With the return of these “endorsements”, a map of landowners “for” and “against” their land being considered for wind development has been constructed and updated daily.  This provides a ready-to-use tool (information) for wind developers.  Out of the 1700 letters orginally sent out, we have recieved 264 “endorsements” back to the PCED office.  The majority of the “endorsements” have been positive.  There was no deadline for returning this information, but we have recieved about 15% back after two months; we would encourage all Phillips County landowners that have not sent in their “endorsements” to please do so. 

Most recently (within the last three days), we have had two inquiries for this information.  It is exciting to know, we have most of the information readily available to immediately scan and send out to a possible wind (green) developer.  This does not necessarily mean development will happen, but it does allow the developer to have additional information abuot the county to help make a more informed decision.  PCED will continue to work with these groups toward the end result hopefully becoming wind development in our area.

Posted by:

Jeff Hofaker