Officials Pause Decision on Tax Break for Montana Wind Farm

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Officials have paused deciding whether a Montana wind farm project will get a tax break until they have more information for impact fees.

The Billings Gazette reports Rosebud County commissioners voted Tuesday to table the decision on whether to grant 50% tax abatement for the Clearwater Wind Farm planned near Forsyth.

The 120-turbine farm by Orion Energy plans to produce enough power for about 300,000 homes.

Commissioner Robert Lee says the wind farm would pay about $2.9 million each year in taxes under the 50% tax abatement.

The tax abatement would run for five years and taper off over five more years.

Commissioners want more information on impact fees, the charge covering the project’s wear on roads and other services.

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Information from: The Billings Gazette, http://www.billingsgazette.com