Wind Farm up in Oilton, but not many local jobs offered
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Jun 10, 2010
Story Updated:
Jun 10, 2010
It’s been about a year since the idea to build a wind farm in Webb County first went before commissioners, and now the project is finally complete.
Many people are seeing the benefit of the Cedro Hill wind farm, but some residents in towns like Oilton and Hebbronville say one promise in particular hasn't been kept.
Wind energy has come a long way, and its catching attention in Oilton just east of Laredo, where massive windmills dot the Webb County landscape.
At 400 feet tall the sight is amazing.
Edison Mission Group invested over 200-million dollars in the project according to county officials, who say it has benefited in many ways.
“They also lease the property so there's landowners benefiting from the windmills,” says Judge Danny Valdez.
But not all agree.
A promise of hundreds of job opportunities was never carried out, according to people in the area.
Judge Alfredo Garcia says he knows of only one person from Bruni that's been hired for the project, crushing big dreams for the small community.
“They came in and lied to people they were going to bring business and up to now they haven’t been doing anything.”
In a report to county commissioners, the Edison Group shows Cedro Hill has provided jobs, but county officials do plan on asking for more once the project gets up to full speed in September.
Residents of Oilton will be waiting.
Energy being generated by the wind is actually used in San Antonio.
Besides more jobs, county officials say they hope to one day have Laredo's grid system ready to use wind energy.
County Judge Danny Valdez says the Edison Group is paying taxes that are benefiting our area.
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chill out said on Sunday, Jun 13 at 8:59 AM
I think this is the tip of the iceberg. South Texas is a very good place to have wind farms. As we have seen new powerlines have been put up and more farms will follow. This may be a very good time to go after these high tech jobs.
45286544Big O said on Friday, Jun 11 at 6:48 AM
well let's be honest here. most of those jobs that are and were created are high tech jobs. there is no one in those communities that has that type of training. they have to be brought in from outside unfortunatly. those are the type of high tech jobs we need here in Laredo and in those small communities, not these type of businesses that the city brings from accross. all they do is open another warehouse that employee people at minimum wage. we do not need that, Laredo, it's time to go high tech and demand that our leaders go after high tech companies and get them to come to Laredo.
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