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IT'S THE BEST CROP YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE AND THE MOST PROFITABLE CROP YOU COULD EVER RAISE.

formed the steering committee to learn about wind energy, determine how wind development would be received, and decide if it was right for their area. The group spent nearly a year meeting regularly, researching wind power, visiting wind farms, and talking with landowners, farmers, local officials, and attorneys. The more the committee learned, the more they envisioned wind energy in Isabella County.

"It's the best crop you're going to have and the most profitable crop you could ever raise," says Walton. "We couldn't see where it was going to be a detriment to the area."

Tax revenue from Isabella Wind, an Apex project, could amount to about $31 million over 25 years for local schools, townships, and the county. Landowner payments could total another $103 million, a significant investment for the community.

"The revenue to the area residents that are willing to lease will be very beneficial," says Walton. "It'll be extra income spent in our community that can help local businesses."

After months of work, the committee reached a decision: they wanted wind energy in Isabella County.

With legal counsel, the group reviewed leases from three different wind energy companies and selected Apex to work with.

"Apex was more willing to meet our terms and come up with what we felt was a better lease," says Walton. "In the lease, we try to protect the land and the landown-

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