Update Given On Neligh's Upstream Wind Project

Pre-construction continues on the 168-tower Upstream Wind Energy Project near Neligh.

An official with Chicago-based developer Invenergy said the project is still working through studies and zoning requirements. 

“The project is still in the development/pre-construction phase, and we are working on optimizing the layout of the wind farm turbines based on site specific studies, wind resource and zoning requirements,” said Mary Ryan, senior manager of public relations. 

The project received a conditional use permit for up to 168 towers or up to 350 MW of total capacity. 

“There is no set construction schedule yet but our near term efforts include geotechnical studies and putting together the zoning building permits for submission to the county,” Ryan said.

During hearings for the project Invenergy officials said the economic impact for the project could be around $3 million annually and about $90 million during the life of the project.

They said about 470 jobs could be added during construction.