UNION, NORTH POWDER FEELING ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF WIND FARM

Like many Union businesses, the Boulder Market has seen increased patronage because of the Elkhorn Valley Wind Farm. Owner Roger Clark says, "It's not a large increase, but we appreciate whatever we can get." (The Observer/ETHAN SCHOWALTER-HAY).

- Ethan Schowalter-Hay

The Observer

UNION — The construction of 61 huge wind turbines in the sagebrush scrub near Telocaset is a monumental undertaking, and nearby towns are experiencing the effects.

Local business owners, by most accounts, are welcoming the influence of Horizon Wind Energy's Elkhorn Valley Wind Farm, installation of which is projected to be completed by November.

Debbie Ables, who owns Gravy Dave's on Union's Main Street, said wind farm employees have been patronizing her restaurant.

"It's been good. We're excited," she said. "Any growth in Union is exciting."

She doesn't find the associated traffic bothersome or dangerous.

"There's a lot of traffic, but they're very good," she said. "They've been courteous drivers."

Trucks are hauling the mammoth turbine components from the Port of Vancouver to the work site, passing through Union and North Powder in the process.

Mike Colkitt, the manager of Union Market, said he's also seen increased business because of the wind farm.

"I've had several customers from guys who've moved into the area," he reported. "They seem like great guys."

He said the employees have been purchasing water, Gatorade, batteries and other supplies from the market.

He also perceives a broader benefit from the activities.

"I know a lot of individuals who have been employed for this outfit," he said. "We're happy for the city."

Colkitt pointed out that, before the land was purchased for the wind farm, it fell outside the bounds of any fire district.

Now, as part of the contract, the Union Rural Fire Department has annexed the property, and projected revenue from the resulting increased taxes has facilitated the purchase of new equipment.

Colkitt isn't bothered by the traffic either.

"Years ago, when I first got here, we used to have log trucks rolling through," he said. "To me it's not an issue."

David Barcala, co-owner of the Union Hotel, said he hasn't perceived any additional business from wind farm employees, but that the project itself is a great asset to the community.

"(The trucks) are kind of fast," he admitted, "but the area needs to develop economically. As far as I'm concerned, it'll create more jobs in the area."

The Boulder Market in Union also is noticing a positive impact on business, owner Roger Clark said.

"I think it's a good thing for Union and Union County,'' Clark said. "It's not a large increase, but we appreciate whatever we can get."

North Powder, located southwest of the farm location, has also been affected by the project.

"We've got a regular group that comes in all the time," said Vicky Day, owner of the North Powder Cafe and Truck Stop.

The cafe also delivers to the work site and provides fuel for vehicles.

"They're all a good group of people," Day said. "They're all really polite."

She said the entire town is benefitting from the close proximity to the operations.

"Our RV park is full, our motel is full — for the first time in years."

Dawn Buchee, manager of the Powder River Motel, confirmed the patronage.

"We're full with them," she said, referring to wind farm employees. "We only have 12 rooms. I have 300 people fighting over them because we're only six miles from the site."

She also said that children in North Powder turn out on the streets to watch the trucks go by.

Hilary Foote of Horizon Wind Energy said the local communities have been very cooperative.

"I've just been amazed at the support for the project," she said. "I love working with the landowners — a very talented, professional bunch of folks."

Sandra Patterson at the Union City Hall said there had been a few verbal complaints about truck traffic at the last council meeting. She said the city was hoping a representative from the wind farm would be at the next meeting, on Aug. 13, to answer any questions from the public.