Issue Preview ~ Winter 2002
Montezuma's Windfall
Windfarm brings economic benefits to local community
By Shirley Buller
The recently completed $100 million Gray County wind farm has put Montezuma on the map and money into the area economy. One hundred seventy white towers generate electricity to customers as far away as Missouri and change not only the landscape but the economic outlook in Gray County.
During the construction phase, the local welding shop, Montezuma Welding and Manufacturing Inc., and the hardware store were able to provide supplies and services just when the depressed farm economy was really noticeable. Wayne Markel, owner, credits the wind farm construction with about 10 percent of his monthly sales during the peak construction months.
"I think this is a tremendous boost to the whole community, not only from the construction phase, but the lease revenue will provide cash in this sagging farm economy," Markel said.
Each landowner will receive $2,000 a year per tower for 20 years. Of the 26 landowners, 16 are local residents, and this money is likely to stay in the community.
The construction phase brought about 100 workers to a town far short of available rentals. The 84 rental houses are occupied mostly by long-term renters and less than a half dozen were available to construction workers or project managers. Many people stayed in nearby Dodge City, Garden City and Cimarron. The café and bar served a packed lunch crowd every day.
Each tower required at least four semi-truck loads of equipment plus the numerous loads of underground cable and substation equipment and transformers. Truck drivers parked at the convenience store, sometimes overnight, waiting their turn to unload.
Tracie Hogie, manager of the Presto convenience store, said, "They bought fuel, food, snacks and even lottery tickets during the wait. When this is all over, we are going to miss them. They have been really courteous, a super bunch of drivers."
For the full story, including in-depth information on the windsails, pick up a copy of the Winter 2002 issue. Click here to find a copy.