BENZIE -- One of the largest energy companies in the country has plans for a new wind project in Benzie and Manistee Counties.

Duke Energy is moving forward with what they are calling the Gail Windpower Project. The plan is to build more than 100 wind turbines over 12,000-16,000 acres.

Duke Energy spokesperson, Greg Efthimiou says, “We have development teams throughout the U.S. that look at great areas for wind and the Lower Peninsula near the lake is certainly an area with tremendous wind resources. This is an opportunity for Michigan to capitalize on.”

Right now the company is signing leases with large landowners, mostly farmers. An estimated $1 million dollars in revenue per year would be shared by those landowners. The wind farm would also generate taxable revenue for both Manistee and Benzie Counties year after year.

Benzie County Commissioner Mary Pitcher says, “To me the biggest thing is the boost it would bring to our economy. The construction phase will bring lots of jobs and there’s also money in the form of taxes. We’re expecting more than $100,000 annually from it.”   

The power will go to whoever signs a power purchasing agreement (PPA) with Duke Energy. The company says they are talking with several businesses and groups, but no contract has been signed yet. It’s the last step needed to move forward with construction.