MILBANK, S.D. (AP) The Grant County Commission has passed a rewritten ordinance dealing with the transmission of electricity from wind farms proposed for the area.

Officials say the ordinance is in response to developers' interest in building wind turbines along the Coteau (kuh-TOH') Ridge in the Summit area. Companies already are negotiating with landowners for easements to build turbines.

Advisers to the county commission said the new ordinance leaves the door open to use public rights of way in some circumstances.

Also, some disputes would be settled by the state Public Utilities Commission.

The ordinance in Brookings County, which has had some wind farm development, has been the model for upgrading other counties' statutes.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-18-09 1912CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list