The Graham County Economic Develpment office in Hill City is inviting all Graham County residents to join the new "Harvest The Wind" public forum. This page was created to serve as an open forum where residents of the county can come to ask questions, get the most recent updates and discuss wind energy. Wind energy is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. It allows you to preserve the historic rural lifestyle, protect the future of your community and provide financial security for your families. All questions will be answered in an open and honest manner. At WECC, integrity is one of our core values and we strive for excellence in all that we do. Who can join? All residents of Graham County, Kansas, are welcome to join this site. All you need to do is create a Wikidot account and request access! Click Here to get started. Welcome Letter from WECC President&CEO, Wayne Hildreth, ....To the Citizens of Graham County:In March 2009, the Graham County Economic Development office commissioned a unique (first of its kind in the nation) high resolution wind map of Graham County. An economic impact study to determine the impact that responsible development of wind energy projects would produce for the county was also completed.Although using wind to create electricity in the United States has been around since the 1970s, there was a pause until the early 2000s that saw minimal wind development. During the intervening period, the technology was improved in Europe and reintroduced into the United States as a mature and cost efficient means of alternative energy. The turn of this century saw many (mostly European) developers attain property rights, negotiate Power Purchase Agreements with utilities, and create large wind farms.In a traditional sense, wind farm developers would prospect the wind resource of a county and then independently contract with local landowners for purposes of furthering the development of a wind project. With this approach, rural communities lose control over development, and rely on the landowner to be responsible and true to the rural standard of living. A very reactive approach!The Graham County Economic Development board decided to be proactive and to determine what wind power's impact could be, and then work to attract the 'right' kind of development that would add value to the community rather than changing lifestyles through unchecked development.I personally am most proud to be a part of such a forward thinking approach. This Graham County Wiki is for you…the citizens of Graham County. We will begin to populate this Wiki with information about wind energy, both positive and negative, and provide you with a forum to ask questions and to state opinion. The key for a successful Wiki is to provide access to materials, to educate, and to include you in the communicative process as wind power develops responsibly in Graham County. Please feel free to upload new content, and make changes to information where you believe change is needed.I look forward to meeting you.Best regards,Wayne HildrethClick Hereto get started.If you have any questions or need assistance getting started, please call the Graham County Economic Development Office at 785-421-2211. Sharethis information with your Facebook friends or join ourHill City Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Thank you for visiting!If you have any questions, comments or concerns about this page, please contact Carolyn Popp at the Hill City Area Chamber of Commerce at (785) 421-5621 orhcchamber@ruraltel.netor visitwww.discoverhillcity.com.
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