According to earlier news reports (March 1, 2008) ”Ochoco Power LLC (a division of La Pine-based Sylvan Power), which has plans to build a $40 million biomass power plant, and Pacific Wind Power, a California energy company looking into building a large wind farm – are seriously considering building in Crook County”.
Crook County Rural Renewable Energy Development Zone Approved
Press Release Excerpts – Economic Development for Central Oregon – April 29, 2008
The Oregon Economic & Community Development Department (OECDD) signed into existence a Rural Renewable Energy Development Zone (RREDZ) for Crook County that was effective April 29, 2008.
While offering similar benefits as a Rural Enterprise Zone, a Rural Renewable Energy Development Zone encompasses an entire county for the purpose of attracting new biomass, wind, geothermal, solar and other alternative or renewable energy production projects. RRED Zones were allowed by state statue in 2003 to avoid “gerrymandered” enterprise zones for wind farms.
Crook County initiated the process two months ago in order to provide a meaningful incentive for renewable energy production. Possible projects include a wind farm being considered along the southern border of the county and two biomass power production plants near Prineville. The combined investment of these projects could attract capital investments exceeding $150 million.
