County board asks to reconsider wind turbine project

The Goodhue County Board is among the groups calling on the state's Public Utilities Commission to reconsider a wind project in southeastern Minnesota.

The 48-turbine wind project generated strong opposition from some residents in the farming region in southeastern Minnesota. In June, the commission overrode Goodhue County rules, and approved the controversial wind farm.

Steve Betcher, Goodhue County attorney, said county officials want the commission to reconsider the county's more restrictive guidelines on the setback distance for the turbines.

National Wind, the project's developer, will have 10 days to review the filings before submitting its own paperwork with the commission, which will then consider the request at a hearing a few weeks later.

Officials with National Wind say despite the reconsideration requests, the project remains on track for construction to start by the end of the year.