Public hearing on wind energy slated for February

COLFAX- Whitman County Commissioners approved a public hearing for a moratorium concerning commercial wind energy.

During the regular commission meeting Whitman County Commissioners approved a notice of public hearing concerning the moratorium imposed on Commercial Energy Generating Facilities.

Commissioner Tom Handy stated the public hearing will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 3, in the Public Service Building auditorium, located at 310 North Main Street.

Handy said the hearing is for the public to express views considering the wind ordinance.

The moratorium was signed by commissioners to delay the proposed Harvest Hills Wind Project planned for near Kamiak Butte and any other commercial wind energy generating facilities, on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

The ordinance states the county will adopt the moratorium on the establishment, location, operation, licensing, or maintenance of commercial wind energy facilities. (Ordinance No. 088670)

The ordinance adopts a temporary moratorium regarding Commercial Wind Energy Generating Facilities in order to provide time for the county to consider necessary zoning regulations and amendments as they specifically relate to wind energy facilities.

In addition, Monday, Jan. 21, was Largent's last day serving on the board.

Largent announced his resignation from the Board of County Commissioners Monday, Nov. 4, after 18 years.

Largent was first elected in 2006 and went into office in 2007.

The process of finding a new member for the Whitman County Board of Commissioners is underway this month as interested candidates reach out to the Whitman County Republican Central Committee who will select three candidates to be presented to Handy and Swannack to vote on.