Update- BOC Votes to Fund Study

July 19, 2007- The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners voted last night to fund an investment grade wind study in western Washtenaw County. The resolution to fund the project, which had been tabled for further deliberation at previous meetings, passed by an 8-2 vote. Strong leadership on this issue was given by Commissioners Jeff Irwin and Mark Ouimet as well as Ken Schwartz, Conan Smith and Roland Sizemore. Although several of the commissioners expressed concern about the speculative nature of the project during tight budgetary times, the majority of the Commissioners voted for the resolution because they felt that it was worth the expenditure to begin to address the Countys energy and environmental issues. With this project we will be able further cement the Countys position as leader in innovation and creativity with respect to the environment. At the same time, it positions us to be ahead in an economy that is increasingly dependent on fluctuating energy costs and uncertainty.

With the passage of the Resolution, staff expects to have a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consultant to perform the wind study by the beginning of August. During the time it takes to contract with a consultant, the County will be busy speaking with local officials and land owners in pre-determined areas to secure an actual site to locate the initial 80 meter tower.

The resolution allocates $86,000 for the study, although staff expects many consultants to bid on the project for much less than that.