Crane Creek Photo Gallery
An enthusiastic Chet Culver, Governor of Iowa (center) is greeted upon arrival by
WPS company representatives Tom
Meinz, Retired Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer (right) and
Charlie Schrock, President and CEO of Integrys Energy Group, the parent company of
WPS, owners of the project (left).
Local residents were treated to a good old-fashioned picnic supper to celebrate
the Crane Creek Wind Farm project in the newly constructed Operations and
Maintenance Center.
Governor Chet Culver spoke enthusiastically about the project and emphasized
that this project strengthens Iowa's national leadership in wind farm development.
The Crane Creek Project brings the total number of wind farms in Iowa to 71.
Members of the Riceville American Legion dedicated the flag presentation area
at the entrance to the project Operations and Maintenance Center to the honor of
all fallen service men and women.
The wind project dedication included the traditional blade signing. Everyone at the
dedication ceremony was invited to participate in the blade signing, including young
and old alike. There was plenty of room to sign everyone's name on the 116 foot turbine
blade.
The large blades, about 132 ft in length, begin arriving on semi-trucks to
the Crane Creek Wind Farm site. The tower sections: top, middle and base are placed in
preparation for the large crane to erect at each of the 66 turbine locations.
The new Operations Building is in the final stages of exterior construction.
The main transformer is mounted on the cement pad in the Jade Avenue Substation.
Crane Creek Construction Manager Kevin McClay (Mortenson) speaks to the landowner
group at the pre-construction meeting in Riceville. Property owners who have easements
for wind turbines or electric lines listen to details of what to expect during construction.
WPS Vice President of Energy Projects, Dave
Harpole (far right) and WPS project team presents
a check for the Riceville Fire Department building fund to a group of volunteer
firefighters.
This photo depicts the winter winds that howl across the rolling plains of
the Crane Creek area.
Crane Creek landowners were able to see the large turbine blades before they
were hoisted to the top of the tower. The blades are connected while on the
ground, then the entire three blade unit is lifted into place.
Rice substation where the electricity form the Crane Creek Wind Project will
be connected into the electric power grid.
An abandoned home in the project area that used an old wind mill.