Kossuth County approves Lakota wind‑farm repower; no new turbines proposed

The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors approved a wind energy conversion system construction permit and repower for the Lakota Wind project and authorized assignment of the project to Lakota Wind LLC at its June 9 meeting.

Ryan Craig, president and CEO of Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, told the board the presentation had been made previously, that a setback variance had been approved by the board of adjustment, and that the pending action would authorize repowering — replacing blades and related systems — rather than installing any additional turbines. “No additional turbines. The only thing the general public will notice is going from 77 meters to 97 meters on the rotor,” Craig said.

There were no written objections on file and a member of the public who said he had lived and farmed near turbines for two decades spoke in favor of the repower. The board approved resolution 06092601 by roll call (Wctor, Garmin, Stacker, H, Nath recorded yes votes). The company said construction is expected in 2027.

Supervisors thanked the company for engagement with landowners and noted this approval applies to repowering existing infrastructure rather than expanding the wind‑farm footprint.

The permit authorizes the changes described in the construction application; any future changes to footprint, tower count or layout would require separate permitting.