Rural Areas Benefiting From Wind Energy Revenue

Rural communities around the country are benefiting from wind energy projects, according to an Associated Press article published in Fast Company.

An AP analysis of county tax records in Illinois, Nebraska, and Iowa — three states with robust wind farm industries — revealed that wind power companies are some of the biggest contributors to rural tax bases. “Local officials and school superintendents, fire chiefs and community college administrators are often among the first to see the economic benefits of wind development in their communities broadly,” the article adds.

“Farmers who sign wind leases can also continue farming most of their land while adding additional revenue. Some of that money ends up funneled into the community through spending. And wind projects bring jobs — many temporary or requiring travel, some permanent — offering a new career path for community college students.”

While some states are moving to limit renewable energy projects, local officials say the revenue can make a major impact on local school districts and other agencies.