There was a lot of gnashing of teeth when a wind farm was proposed for McIntyre Township in northern Lycoming County several years ago.
Many landowners believed the windmills would create an eyesore on the rural landscape and a permit for the project initially was rejected. After years of tweaking the terms due to opposition, a land development permit was approved for Laurel Hill Wind Energy, a parent company of North Carolina-based Duke Energy Renewables, in 2011.
A year later, here's the report card.
There are 30 wind turbines producing 69 megawatts of electricity.
Those turbines are capable of producing enough energy to power more than 20,000 homes.
And the power company is paying McIntyre Township $36,000 a year under the deal.
Now $36,000 may not sound like much if viewed in the crucible of a federal budget, but for McIntyre Township, $36,000 annually is a major budget windfall.
And 20,000 homes may not sound like much if you are living in New York City, but that's practical production in these parts.
As for the blight caused by 30 wind turbines, those who believe that will never be convinced otherwise.
But, frankly, wind is the cleanest form of energy and wind turbines are unobtrusive compared with all other forms of energy.
Questioning of the project made it better.
But clearly, the wind energy development in McIntyre Township is paying dividends on many levels already that will last far into the future.
