Kansas Wind Farm Dedicated

May 11 - A controversial wind farm project in is now up an operating. To some people, the Elk River Alternative Energy Project is part of the answer to our energy needs. To others, it's an eyesore.

The Elk River wind farm was dedicated on Thursday. The 100-turbine farm it sits between Beaumont and Latham in Butler County.

Pete Ferrell is one of four landowners leasing the land for the wind mills. For years, Ferrell pushed to have the windmills built. Critics said the wind farm would damage the Flint Hills' tallgrass ecology.

Ed Hodges originally opposed the wind farm. He now admits his worst fears haven't happened. Hodges says the bad things he and others were originally told about the wind farm turned out not to be true.

Each year, the turbines generate enough electricity for 42,000 homes in the Empire Electric Company's system. Empire Electric vice president Brad Beecher says Kansas is perfect for wind energy. Beecher says Kansas is the third most windy state in the country.

Beecher says wind energy is very economical for his customers. He says the Elk River Project is already saving customers money on their bills.

Proponents say wind farms are part of the solution to America's energy needs because they're a clean, sustainable source of renewable energy. Developers say other utility companies already have Kansas wind projects in the works.