Wind farm project dealt significant blow by Cattaraugus County Legislature

The Cattaraugus County Legislature on Wednesday voted on a measure that could all but end the development of the Alle-Catt Wind Farm project. By a 13-2 margin, lawmakers approved a resolution that would limit the Industrial Development Agencies ability to allow payment in lieu of tax agreements for wind farms. The wind farm would consist of 120 wind turbines in Farmersville and Freedom in Cattaraugus County, Rushford and Centerville in Allegany County and Arcade in Wyoming County. The majority would be located in Cattaraugus County. In voting to support the restriction, Majority Leader Donna Vickman of Farmersville said the company already receives plenty of help from the government. If approved, the deal would have generated $7 million a year in revenue for Cattaraugus County. A company spokesperson said yesterday’s vote will have a significant impact on the future of the project.