(Upstate NY) Wind power—EZ (Empire Zone) changes limit future benefits

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20080809/OPINION01/74276025/Wind+power

Wind power

EZ changes limit future benefits

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, 2008

The financial boon from the Maple Ridge Wind Farm in Lewis County is undeniable. Millions of dollars have flowed to the county, school districts and towns hosting the 195 turbines.

The governments have used the tax windfall responsibly to reduce or stabilize taxes or invest in long-deferred projects. The towns of Harrisburg and Martinsburg, which are home to most of the turbines, have used part of their funds to lower tax rates and establish capital reserve accounts.

Harrisburg began, and Martinsburg is thinking about, a townwide trash pick-up service to further help residents financially. The towns have been able to expand road construction and improvement projects and to upgrade town machinery.

The millions of dollars in annual revenue are one reason wind farm supporters in Jefferson County and other parts of the north country are pushing similar projects as they, too, hope to reap such financial dividends.

…

[Muttocracy]

1. bummer. I wonder if the economic benefits will be high enough they can go forward?

Or is it just too expensive to get things up and going?

[OKIsItJustMe]

2. If the Governor (of NY) has anything to say about it

I expect http://www.google.com/search?q=solar+OR+wind+power+OR+energy+governor+paterson+site%3Astate.ny.us">they'll find a way.

[DCKit]

3. I believe the point is that the tax revenues decline exponentially with time...

something a county in VA found out about *before* they approved the wind farms. Net effect? No lasting benefit, no wind farms or, "Get the F* Out!"

The fact that the electricity was to be "exported" to those willing to pay a green premium and not consumed at a reasonable profit by the residents saddled with development didn't help, either.