Woo hoo! Iowa will invest more in wind energy. Announced today.

[Skidmore]

For once Governor Braindead does something looking forward.

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Branstad-to-Announce-Economic-Investment-in-Iowa-206634931.html

DES MOINES, Iowa — MidAmerican Energy Co. announced plans Wednesday to add 656 new wind turbines that will generate to 1,050 megawatts of power in Iowa by the end of 2015 – a project that Gov. Terry Branstad said represents the largest economic development investment in state history.

Greg Abel, chairman, president and CEO of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. – the parent company of MidAmerican Energy – said the wind expansion will enhance economic development and provide in excess of $360 million in additional property tax revenues over the next 30 years. Landowner payments totaling $3.2 million per year also are expected as a result of the expansion.

In addition, the expansion is planned to be built at no net cost to the company’s customers and will help stabilize long-term electric rates by providing a rate reduction totaling $10 million per year by 2017, commencing with a $3.3 million reduction in 2015, Abel added. The project is expected to create about 460 construction jobs over a two-year period and an estimated 48 permanent jobs in Iowa, he said....more

[rurallib]

1. I am amazed