Sprawling $330 million wind farm could get county tax break

McLennan County officials are considering tax incentives to get the wheels turning on a $330 million project to scatter 100 wind turbines across McLennan and Limestone counties, which would generate tax revenue for local government and power for thousands of homes.

French energy powerhouse Engie, with North American offices in Houston, continues efforts to place a wind farm on unincorporated land near the 2,000-person Mart community, having pursued easement deals with dozens of property owners. Engie spokeswoman Julie Vitek said construction may start this year, and commercial operations may start next year.

“We currently have two customers for this project but have not announced who the specific customers are,” Vitek wrote in an email response to questions. “The Prairie Hill wind project is expected to have a capacity of 300 megawatts. … The layout has not been finalized, though the majority of the turbines are to be located in Limestone County and within Mart Independent School District.”

McLennan County officials are preparing for their arrival with a potential reinvestment zone spanning 7,887 acres on the county’s eastern border with Limestone County.

Read more: https://www.wacotrib.com/news/business/sprawling-million-wind-farm-could-get-county-tax-break/article_8ba38bb0-28b6-5ba8-ab73-68459e3ee2fc.html