LINCOLN CO. S.D. (KELO AM) A new survey of Lincoln County residents shows that about two-thirds of them support a big wind power project in the southern part of the county.
Dakota Power Community Wind has been trying for years to get a 150-turbine wind farm approved in Lincoln, one of South Dakota's fastest growing counties. The project has been the target of concerted, consistent protests by some property owners, mostly near the proposed site.
The project's Brian Minish isn't surprised that the survey shows overwhelming support.
"The survey results are very consistent with what we see across the country, where it is usually, typically, 70 to 75 percent support for renewable energies and wind development," Minish tells KELO.COM News.
The Lincoln County Commission this week may again take up the ticklish issue of setbacks that would allow the wind farm to move forward. Minish isn't sure if the survey results will make any difference.
"It depends to what degree the county commmissioners, I guess, want to vote in the direction of the wishes of their constituents, or whether they want to continue to drive their own agenda."
Dakota Power Community Wind paid for the scientific survey by Public Opinion Strategies, but Minish says that had nothing to do with the outcome.
"We didn't dictate the results. It doesn't do us any good to have fictitious results." says Minish.
