Marathon County Alternative Energy Local Impact Advisory Committee - Hub City - 5/18/2026

The Marathon County Alternative Energy Local Impact Advisory Committee convened on May 18, 2026, to discuss the proposed Hub City Wind Farm project. Representatives from Alliance Energy provided a detailed overview of the wind farm development, including project scope, turbine specifications, construction timelines, and decommissioning plans. Key procurement-related topics included the anticipated 150 MW capacity, landowner lease payments estimated at around $1.8 million annually, and the shared revenue program providing payments to the county. The committee also reviewed the project schedule, with regulatory submission planned for late 2026 and potential construction in 2029. Public concerns were raised regarding health impacts, property values, and the legal implications of entering into a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) versus relying on county ordinances. The committee outlined a public engagement process involving surveys and open houses to gather community input before preparing a report for the county executive committee by mid-July. No formal votes were recorded, but the discussion emphasized the importance of balancing project benefits with local stakeholder concerns and the potential risks associated with contractual agreements.