The Gratiot Situation

True to its renewable nature, wind development has assisted in reinvigorating Gratiot County. During the “Great Recession,” the Gratiot Community came together to find new opportunities for economic growth. Gratiot County was presented with the possibility of wind development due to its flat, open areas and collaborative nature. Leaders in the county made the two wind farms possible by creating Michigan’s first countywide model wind energy ordinance. The county is now home to five wind farms: Polaris Wind (68 turbines), Gratiot Farms (60 turbines), Beebe Community Wind Farm, LLC (55 turbines), Pine River Wind Energy (29 turbines in Gratiot, 65 total), and Gratiot County Wind, LLC (133 turbines). Gratiot County Wind, LLC is the state’s largest wind farm!  An additional wind farm is permitted in the southwest corner of the County.

Wind development has unquestionably brought increased economic prosperity to the county. Since 2012, approx. $2 billion has been invested in Gratiot County, contributing to the tax base. Gratiot County government, townships, and schools realized a total of $82.7 million in new tax revenue since 2012 from wind development. The local economy is also directly and positively affected by land payments to over 500 land owners and 38 permanent full-time jobs at the new maintenance and operations facilities for each company.

In addition to the direct economic benefits, Gratiot citizens have also experienced a number of indirect benefits. Wind investment was used to leverage a grant to complete infrastructure for the Breckenridge Industrial, Technology and Agribusiness Park, where there are currently over 100 FTE positions. Additionally, due to necessary electrical transmission upgrades and the construction of four new substations, the entire Mid-Michigan area has increased power reliability. Finally, production agriculture, a crucial part of Gratiot’s economy, has been ensured through careful placement of the wind turbines.

Perhaps the most significant benefit that wind development has offered Gratiot County is a renewed drive toward the future with new opportunities. The wind farms have increased awareness of Gratiot County in the areas of increased manufacturing possibilities and wind tourism. As a result, Gratiot County has been appropriately identified as a forward-looking community that continuously positions itself for a successful future.