A wind energy company will pay Clarendon College more than $800,000 in direct payments and other contributions in lieu of property taxes.
CC Regents approved the deal with Cielo Land & Cattle, doing business as Salt Fork Wind, during their regular meeting Thursday, April 17. The proposed wind farm will be located along Interstate 40 in the northwestern corner of Donley County.
CC President Robert Riza said the company had agreed to pay $800,000 cash in equal payments over a ten-year period. In addition, Cielo will cover any legal fees associated with the agreement and provide scholarships to CC students.
“There will be some say that we left money on the table, but we thought it was a good deal.” Dr. Riza said. “I look at it as the first step in economic development and getting something going in Donley County. Anytime you have growth and development, it draws other things to you.”
The company has already made donations of equipment to the college’s wind energy technical program, Dr. Riza said, noting that he believes Cielo is a good company to work with because of their commitment to education.
Riza said the college will not put its wind energy gains in the operating budget but will instead put it aside in reserve for special projects or special needs in the future.
Cielo inked a $1.6 million deal with the county in November. While the county’s agreement is based on the energy produced after the wind farm is developed, Clarendon College’s agreement will begin as soon as construction begins.
Donley County Hospital District officials are also working on the final details of an agreement with Cielo. District Administrator Anna Howard said lawyers for both sides are going over the final papers, and she said the district is looking to receive payments in lieu of taxes once the project is completed.
The hospital board will meet again on May 20, but Howard said a called meeting could be held sooner once the papers are in order.
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