PINE BLUFFS, Wyo.-
Business in this town on the Nebraska line is booming with the construction of a wind farm that will have 274 turbines.
Residents say restaurants are packed and every rental property is rented.
“They have used all the local resources possible to meet their needs, and we appreciate that,” Mayor Leonard Anderson said. “It’s been well received by the local community.”
He said one restaurant with hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. now is open 24 hours.
Meanwhile, construction workers have been using local contractors for trash hauling, toilets, hardware, lumber, ice, water, vehicle repair and food services. Casey Thompson, co-owner of the local NAPA Auto Parts store, estimated that his business had increased 25 to 30 percent.
Construction is expected to wrap up next year. After that, some 30 permanent maintenance workers will be hired and likely will settle in the town.
The Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC wind farm is being built on 140 square miles in northern Colorado. The electricity will be sold to Xcel Energy.
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Information from: Wyoming Tribune-Eagle,
