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Opponents and supporters of the proposed Hope Ridge Wind Farm in Dickinson County may learn in early December whether the project can proceed. After hearing arguments Monday, Fifth Judicial District Judge Lee Fowler said he hopes to issue a decision by December 4th.
The case stems from a December 2024 lawsuit filed by Dickinson County residents seeking to overturn the County Commission’s 2-1 approval of the project.
Plaintiffs argue the county acted unlawfully in granting the conditional use permit, claiming the process was tainted by a Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement. Attorney Patrick Hughes said Hope Ridge’s offer of more than $6 million to the county’s general fund created the appearance that approval could be bought.
Defense attorney Andrew Holder countered that the payments were voluntary and are common because wind farms are exempt from property taxes for 10 years. Plaintiffs also challenged the sufficiency of the permit application, while the defense argued the county substantially complied with legal requirements.
