AMARILLO,TEXAS -- A newly formed community-owned wind development farm is moving forward in Randall County.
The group based in Minnesota, began talking to a dozen families between Amarillo and Umbarger to set up the wind farm.
They partner with the families instead of just offering a lease. The families see a bigger profit share and the wind company gets a foothold here.
Pat Pelstring, Co-chair and Founder of the National Wind group says, "We will give a lease to a property owner just like any other developer will, but we're going to give them a better lease because we expect they'll be our partner over time --but the added advantage in this it will provide the chance for them to directly participate in the company in terms of distribution and owenrship as well."
Landowners like Randy Darnell, say they feel as a group, they're better equipped than individual land owners to work out an agreement.
"We feel what we offer is a cohesive group that are willing to work as one and not individuals to a wind developer."
If all goes according to plan, construction will take about a year and they should be on the grid with 2-3 years.
