Railhead near Blairsburg, Iowa, would support wind farms

Wright County, Iowa, Economic Development Director Dennis Bowman and Hamilton County Supervisor Doug Bailey talked to the Wright County Board of Supervisors about a proposed 280-acre business park in Hamilton County with access to the Canadian National Railway, the Belmond Independent reports.

"This project
includes a program tied to rail and wind energy that could have an impact on
Wright County," said Bowman.

Bailey said Hamilton County
has an option on land one mile west of Blairsburg just off R-38 (near Stonega).

"The area has been
approved by the Canadian National Railway, and we are in the process of
applying for both a state and a federal grant," he said. The total cost of
the project is estimated just under $13 million.

"Local industries
need a site where they can off-load bulk materials to be trucked a short
distance," said Bailey. "The location has almost immediate potential
as a rail site. Building lots would be the second phase of the project. The CN
would act as a marketing agency once the load site is open because it is to
their advantage to have businesses in place."

Bailey said the rail
access would be open to any industry. "Initially the project would not
employ anyone. But other such developments employ up to 50 people."

Supervisor Stan Watne
asked Bailey what he wants from Wright County.

"I am here to secure
a letter of support that we can turn in with both the state and the federal
grant applications," Bailey replied. "I would also ask that you
consider participating in funding of the preliminary costs."

Bowman questioned Bailey
about what Wright County could expect to receive in return for financial
support.

"It is possible that
a separate government entity would be established to oversee the load site. In
that case, the revenue would be shared," said Bailey.

The board agreed to write a
letter of support.