After a pause, wind farm development could take a step forward in McLean County, according to County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston. A battery energy storage system is moving ahead in McLean County. And rural Connect Transit riders will have to pay a fare.
Here's what Johnston shared in a Sound Ideas interview.
Wind farm permits
A federal judge has ordered the Pentagon to lift its freeze on reviewing onshore wind project permits and to end delays that have brought U.S. wind power development to a standstill, including projects in Central Illinois. Johnston said that could make a difference, though the moratorium has not so far been terribly disruptive.
"These are projects that have been in the works for a long time, and I'm hoping that that moratorium really serves as just a blip and that the organizations that were looking to come to McLean County, that it did not disrupt their plans at all," said Johnston.
The nationwide halt to wind farm permits started in April. The Department of War must sign off on permits, along with the Federal Aviation Administration, to make sure new wind farms do not impact military bases or radar defense installations. Only rarely does this require significant study.
Johnston said some projects in the pipeline already had permits before the federal halt on permits, and those are moving ahead.
“We want to continue having talks with organizations to find out, are we a good fit for them,” said Johnston.
Battery Energy Storage Systems
The County Board recently approved a Battery Energy Storage System [BESS] proposal for the Twin Groves Wind Farm. Johnston said that’s one of several that could be built because the county has a couple advantages in attracting the systems that save electricity for distribution at times renewable energy installations are not producing power. She said there has been a lot of interest in building more.
"We are the top energy producer from wind and solar in the state of Illinois. We also have multiple lines that run through our community, lines that have been upgraded to accommodate the wind and the solar," said Johnston.
Johnston said the updated lines make it easier to feed renewable energy into the grid, reducing brownouts and energy price spikes.
“In talks with our energy partners … when they start looking out 10-15 years, they are seeing significant concerns about our ability to produce energy, our ability to meet grid needs, and so BESS systems are going to be instrumental,” said Johnston.
Rural transit
The newly approved fare structure for the rural Connect Go service from Connect Transit could allow expansion of the program. Connect Transit took over the previous Show Bus rural transportation program. Fares will be $4 per ride with lower rates available for veterans and seniors. Children under 5 ride for free.
Johnston said charging fares was always in the plan for Connect Go because without local revenue matching, the program left state grant money on the table.
“With this transition we didn't want to be adding fares on top of switching the service, so it was a matter of getting the service established,” said Johnston.
Connect Go has one vehicle serving rural parts of the county, and Johnston said it has been so busy they have had to turn down rides for lack of capacity. She said that demonstrates a need for expanded service. She said the fare will likely bring in about $69,000 per year.
“It'll meet 70% of what they need to have enough money from the state to get a second bus. I've had some conversations with some of our local mayors who are open to discussion about if their community is really relying on the Connect Go that they might be willing to put in some to reach that 100% get that second bus,” said Johnston.
Animal hoarding
County animal control recently had to deal with a couple animal-hoarding incidents and an influx of about 100 cats in two big batches six weeks apart. Johnston said that placed unusual demands on the county facility.
“That is a lot all at once. It does require bringing in additional professionals to get those animals cared for, get them up to date from medical standpoint [vaccinations and parasite treatment], and then from a care perspective, we have seen a lot of volunteers coming in,” said Johnston.
She said the Jayne L. and David Eric Menssen Critter Care Perpetual Charitable Trust donated $48,689 to do that.
“Horrific conditions, difficult conditions, but the animals just want to be cared for. They want to be loved, and they are getting ready to have new homes,” said Johnston. “These are extremely large numbers where the animals have been in very cramped conditions and do need a lot of TLC and professional care to get back to a place where they can be our companions."
Comlara concierge camping program
Johnston said she’s enthusiastic about a new program to get people interested in camping. Comlara Park workers will by appointment set up a camping site for people who want to go "glamping" (glamorous camping). She said the glamping experience is part of a new strategic plan for the park near Hudson.
“What are some options that we can do to bring more people into the park because it is a gem of this community. We have too many people who are just unaware of it, and what they can do out there,” said Johnston. “In particular, they found out that college students, like ISU students, had no idea that it even existed.”
She said the campsite setup offers a gateway experience for those who may not have grown up camping with their families or who do not want to buy their own tents and sleeping bags. It comes with a paddleboard or kayak rental. The price is $45-$65, depending on when it’s scheduled, and requires notice at least a day ahead of time. Campers can choose to have electricity access or a "primitive" site.
