The Economic Impacts of a Proposed Wind Power Plant in Kittitas County, Washington State, USA

Abstract

This paper is an evaluation of potential impacts of a proposed wind farm on property values, tax revenues, and the local economy. The area studied was Kittitas County, (46.59° N, 120.25° W), Washington State, USA, where a combined wind farm of 261 wind turbines, total capacity 390 MW, is proposed. Studies were conducted in that area and regarding similar areas with similar projects. Of particular importance was the visual impact of the windfarm. Details of likely local employment are given (185 full and part-time direct jobs at construction, 85 direct jobs ongoing). Financial modelling considered local and other tax revenues, and associated financial benefits and disbenefits. Studies related to both the time of construction and ongoing operation. Tax revenues from the area would increase by $2.8 million/year (11% increase), of which $693,000/y would be disbursed for immediate local services (2% increase). It was concluded that: there was no evidence for reductions in property values; tax revenues would increase with associated disbursement of benefit within the locality; and associated secondary expenditure in the locality would be significant.