Wind energy was introduced to Iowa in the early 2000s and has been a feature of the state’s landscape since; Howard County saw its first wind turbines erected in 2008 and 2009 with the Pioneer I and II projects. These two projects installed 182 turbines (178 MW) split between the northwest corner of Howard and the northeast corner of Mitchell County around Riceville. In 2019, Madison Gas and Electric built another 33 turbines (66 MW) about 12 miles west of the Howard County seat, Cresco.
The introduction of wind turbines has been an economic boon for the county as a whole. The turbines supply stable and significant tax revenue to the county and local schools, representing about 14.5% of overall tax revenue. The additional funding has been used to pay for important infrastructure projects, revitalize public parks, and increase funding for two county school districts. The benefits have been pivotal for Howard County, as the additional funds have directly led to improved road and bridge inventories.
Pat Murray, a former Howard County supervisor interviewed for this report, stated, “I don’t know how other small counties make it without wind turbines; the population isn’t growing much, there isn’t new development, the tax base has been stagnant.”
From 2010 to 2020, the population in Howard County decreased from 9,566 to 9,469, while the state population increased 5% over the same period.
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