Root River Energy to open Ostrander office

Published 6:14 am Tuesday, December 1, 2009

OSTRANDER — Root River Energy will open a new office in Ostrander as part of a project to build a 300 megawatt locally-owned wind farm in Fillmore and Mower counties.

The office will essentially be a local headquarters for the project. Root River Energy will use the office to meet a growing demand for involvement in the project and to improve services to area residents.

“It’s a perfect, convenient location for the local area and our target audience,” said Jim Connolly, a field specialist for Root River Energy, in a press release. “Visiting the co-op is a regular activity for many in the area to purchase the agricultural supplies they need. Now in a sense it will be a one-stop shop for farmers who want to learn more about harvesting their other crop: wind energy.”

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The office will be located in the Ostrander Farmer’s Co-op at 208 Main St. #4, P.O. Box 156.

Information about Root River Energy and the 300 megawatt wind farm will be available at the office. The office will serve as a spot for people to learn about the locally-owned wind farm project. Co-op staff will assist with inquiries.

An office will enhance how Root River Energy replies to calls and questions, as the project’s field specialists spend much of their time meeting with landowners.

“As our wind project progresses, we want to continue to provide the best possible support and services to our participating members,” Connolly said. “Our new office allows us to do just that. Now that Root River Energy has a local identity, landowners have an even more accessible way to inquire about the project. Communicating with the community is key to developing a wind farm that works for the local area.”

The project aims to give farmers and landowners an opportunity to participate in a wind project that will directly benefit local communities. Root River Energy encourages involvement from local landowners.

Root River Energy started the project to develop 300 megawatts of locally-owned wind power in Fillmore County but expanded to include eastern Mower County in March. A 300 megawatt wind farm would produce enough energy for more than 80,000 homes each year.

Root River Energy’s fall newsletter reported more than 7,600 acres of land was under easement for the project, and discussions were ongoing with 50 other landowners concerning the project.

The overall goal aims for 30,000 contiguous acres.

To reach the office, call 866-742-6448.