It’s a ways from being a final draft, but the Ford County Board’s zoning committee is making suggested changes to revise the county’s regulations for wind farms. More meetings are planned before anything is presented to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission.

Several complaints from residents in the northern part of the county cited TV reception interference.

A five-member committee agreed to raise the minimum blade clearance from 15-feet to 50-feet.

Setbacks have caused friction. Also discussed were noise levels, and decommissioning requirements.

Wind farm study shows tax base increases ---

A News-Gazette analysis recently revealed that four wind farms in a three-county area have generated nearly $10-million in new tax revenue.

A total of 329 wind turbines in Champaign, Ford and Vermilion counties have helped pay the bills for township government, fire districts, school districts, junior colleges and park districts.

94.1 WGFA