In April, Tradewind Energy announced that they had entered a long-term renewable energy purchase agreement with KCP&L to deliver low-cost wind energy in Missouri.  The Rock Creek Wind Project (RCWP) here in Atchison County, slated for construction late 2016-2017, will produce enough energy annually to power over 90,000 U.S. homes.  This project involves more than 130 landowners across 40,000 acres located throughout the eastern third of Atchison County.

The anticipated economic impact to our county is significant.  Throughout RCWP’s 12-16 month construction phase, over 250 people will be working in Atchison County.  This will result in full motels, occupied rental houses, and increased traffic at our local restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses.

Once construction of RCWP is completed, 8-12 new permanent local jobs with an average annual salary of $50,000 will be created.

RCWP will also create considerable property tax revenue.  On an average each year, over $2 million will be directed to taxing entities throughout our county, which include county road and bridge, Tarkio and Fairfax school districts, the library, and emergency services.

ACDC will continue to provide updates as this project moves forward.  We are currently gathering contact information for Atchison County vendors that are interested in providing construction services (such as rock, hauling, fuel, etc.) on this project, and will get that information to the project lead, once he/she has been selected.  We will also be creating an inventory of rental properties that might be available in 2017.  If you’d like to be included in either list, please contact us at atchdev@rpt.coop or (660) 744-6562.