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Ringler recently appeared before the Huron County Commissioners to give them an update and answer questions pertaining to the project.

The project, which is owned by John Deere Wind Energy, will construct 32 wind turbines in Oliver and Chandler Townships. Alliant Energy EPC, LLC is the engineering, procurement and construction contractor.

"The Harvest Project utilizes wind as the prime mover for its turbines, so no pollutants are emitted. The appropriate studies were performed and regulatory agencies confirmed that there is no adverse environmental impact," according to information provided by Alliant.

"We will be done with our project by December this year," explained Ringler.

He added, "We do have certain job site rules. This is your land, we are your guests here."

Each turbine will be approximately 260 feet to the top of the tower, plus an additional 135 feet for the blades, meaning the total height to be approximately 395 feet in the air.

"It is a relatively tall structure," said Ringler.

He explained the project is moving well; currently the foundations are near complete and erection of the tower bases will begin near the end of July. Many intersections need to be changed for the large structures to maneuver.

"We have been working with Russ (Huron County Building & Zoning Director Russ Lundberg) and Gary Osminski at the Road Commission, getting permits and the process for temporary access roads," said Ringler.

"Civil infrastructure construction will include intersection improvements to county and township roads (for delivery trucks), (as well as) construction of turbine access roads and crane pads. Residents can expect to encounter heavy equipment on local roads during road improvement work," according to Alliant.

Electrical cables between each turbine will be trenched in the ground, according to Ringler.

"The three phase power cable will be trenched between each turbine. That process will begin August 11 and travel west to east," Ringler explained.

The delivery of the turbines and equipment is by rail and currently coming into the county from Oregon and Texas, Ringler added.

He also stated that approximately one-third of the workforce are local people.

"Huron County and the townships have been very cooperative," said Ringler.

"A month after the completion (of the turbines) they will gradually put the turbines on-line, in a test mode," he said.

He added, "The last three weeks of August, the work activity will basically peak."

In other business, during the recent Committee of the Whole meeting, discussion of what to do with the county airplane came to light. Currently, the County pays $1,090 per year in insurance costs for the airplane.

According to Huron County Commissioner and Chairman Robert Haldane, the plane was purchased with state grant and county monies.

"We are looking at a possible swap of the airplane for a boat, and we could really use a boat," said Commissioner James Leonard.

He explained he is currently working with Representative Terry Brown and Huron County Undersheriff Tyler Ramsey to gather information.

"Approximately $2,500 in repairs are needed to get it ready to be flight worthy," Leonard explained.

"If we are going to put it in the air, let's put it in the air, if not, let's get rid of it," said Commissioner Ron Wruble.

Commissioners are looking at inspection and other costs to make the plane flight worthy.