Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - Tribe looks at wind farm development

Tribe looks at wind farm development

Aug 21, 2006 - 02:10:52 CDT

AGENCY VILLAGE, S.D. (AP) - The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate is moving forward with plans to develop a wind farm on tribal trust lands in northeast South Dakota.

The tribe has hired the engineering and consulting firm Black and Veatch of Overland Park, Kan., to help develop the project. Three company representatives explained the plans at a community meeting Thursday.

Interim tribal chairman Jerry Flute said he would like to see the project focus on producing electricity for local use.

"For my part as chairman, I'd rather see us place the priority on providing low-cost energy to tribal members rather than selling the power to a major power company just to buy it back," he said. "Initially, this project was looked at as an economic development project, but I'd like to see us change the mix a little bit and reprioritize how we view the development of wind energy."

Flute said most tribal homes are heated with electricity and rates have skyrocketed in recent years.

"People are bringing in ridiculously high electric bills. These are often on fixed or low incomes, and they can't pay their bills," he said. "They have to start making hard choices; whether they buy diapers for the baby or pay the power company. The choice is always going to be take care of the baby, and the electric bill then ends up with the tribe."

Flute also expressed concern about the high electricity bills incurred by the tribe's three casinos.

"If we keep what we produce locally here, that would be my recommendation," he said. "If there is any surplus, then we can consider selling it to a power company."

Black and Veatch team leader Ryan Jacobson said three towers will be installed to collect information on wind speed and direction.

The tribe has already received a $50,000 grant to begin the feasibility study and has requested $250,000 more in support. A second set of grants has been sought worth nearly $1.5 million to help with development and construction costs.

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Comments

jerry flute wrote on Sep 9, 2006 9:37 PM:

" hau mitakodapi: pida miyapi for the good words regarding ours efforts here at Sisseton. Wind Energy developement takes a little time and some big cash. Good news is that there are federal programs that will float tribal bonds to pay for the start up costs. Check them out. A few years down the road I will expect to see our tribal members getting their electricity for a very low cost maybe for free! later "

CB Off Rez Tribal Member wrote on Aug 22, 2006 5:57 PM:

" SUZLON Energy, where are they at? What are they doing? can anyone tell me what this corporation is all about...They are supposed to commence their wind energy here on SROCK what ever became of them, to the Sisseton Waphton people, great job..I am interested to see how business will be for you. I encourage your efforts...In the mean time where is SUZLON WIND ENERGY??? Are they working with the Sisseton Waphton Tribe??? "

Were here now wrote on Aug 22, 2006 3:38 PM:

" Were here now and we can look at what has happened to us on the Rock and the decision our past council made but ok now we have an educated chairman let's see what he can do for us we need to move on not live in the past let's see what we can all do I mean All!!!!!! do for the future of our people our children they are the ones suffering for adult mistakes, and decisions let work together to make a better place and better role models If you see someone doing something good praise them not make fun lets start supporting each other.. "

from crst wrote on Aug 22, 2006 9:35 AM:

" I think wind energy is fine, and I agree, the tribes on the plains should be looking to assist the members first and formost, if any is left over, then try for the profit, however it all comes down to the almight dollar to get things rolling. If all goes right, there should be no reason for any tribe to be paying for electricity. "

FarOff Standing Rock Concerned Tribal Member wrote on Aug 22, 2006 12:42 AM:

" Economic Development has to come from all the people represented by their rights to vote. Standing Rock is no exception to these rules as outlined in their Constitution and bi-laws. Yet every tribal chairman continues to allow uneducated, non financial knowledgable people with credentials handle money...I herd one of our Lakota, Not Dakota leaders say, He Hana along time ago, we just gave our money away... Guess what your still doing it! I'v herd some good things that the 3 Affiliated Tribal Leader has done, support this leader. Non secured loans! That should be a Bank question, they allowed these loans to go forward...Wake up people, if anyone has their heads in the sand it's those tribal members who don't vote but complain. 2 reservations on SR we need it... "

From White Shield wrote on Aug 21, 2006 11:31 PM:

" Kudos to Jerry Flute, Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Chairman for thinking of his tribal members "real" needs and a way to not harm Mother Earth. Chairman Hall is planning an oil refinery for Fort Berthold...planning to harm Mother Earth and his people and we all know that this will affect the air and water of others. He put us deep in debt and this is his plan for economic development. Again kudos to Chairman Flute and other natives who keep on honoring Mother Earth and the unborn relatives. "

Get an education wrote on Aug 21, 2006 11:02 PM:

" get an education first. Then you can get a better job to pay your bills. Quit relying on someone else to help you. Get off your lazy butt and make it happen "

HUNKPAPA wrote on Aug 21, 2006 7:02 PM:

" There is information on file as it pertains to Wind Energy. It is the past Council and for that matter this one who have their heads stuck in the sand. But, you all know the story as to no money, becasue the former Council gave it out in non secured loans and now the TRIBE is paying these defaulted loans for those members who have spent that money and probably have nothing to show for it. Every other tribe in our area has some knowledgeable people working for the good fo the PEOPLE. Here at Standing Rock you have the Tribal Council looking out for the best intrests of themselves firstg, their extended family second and the PEOPLE who put them inot office LAST. Wake up enrollees. "

Here at Standing Rock wrote on Aug 21, 2006 4:09 PM:

" Heh!!! Sounds good come on let's see some progress!!! Even Cheyenne River is moving very well. Whats wrong with us. "

Standing Rock Non-Resident wrote on Aug 21, 2006 12:04 PM:

" I often wonder if our tribe is thinking ahead like those who have thie type of devlopement. I know there is a lot of research involved but the patience should pay off. "Come on STANDING ROCK" take some chances....!! "

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