Franklin School Board Votes to Support Wind Energy

Resolution highlights “positive impact on the education of thousands of students over the next twenty years.”

The Franklin Community School District 1 School Board passed a resolution “to acknowledge its support of the Renewable Wind Farm.” The board took a long-term view, explaining that the financial support resulting from new tax revenues “will help provide experiences for our students that they would otherwise never have. These increased opportunities will carry into their adult lives and impact their families as well.”

An economic impact analysis conducted by economist and Illinois University professor David Loomis projects new property tax revenues totaling $65.6 million will be gained in Morgan County if the proposed Lincoln Land Wind facility is constructed. More than $43 million will be shared by school districts located in the footprint, with Franklin School District expected to receive an average of $1.1 million each year. Road and fire districts, Morgan County government, the library system, and Lincoln Land Community College will benefit from the remaining $21.8 million.

The Resolution passed by the Franklin School Board states: