WINNEBAGO — Winnebago City Council on Tuesday received an update from EDF Renewable Energy about the proposed Oza Tanka Wind Project, and learned how it may affect the city.

The 200-megawatt wind project is set to be located in the Barber Township area.

Jacob Salisbury, land acquisition specialist for EDF, said the project has potential for economic development in surrounding areas, including Winnebago.

“Being that Winnebago is really one of the larger towns in the area, I think this community has a higher chance to thrive,” he said.

About 250 to 300 workers will be brought in for construction, utilizing hotels, rental properties, restaurants and local businesses. The project also will use a local contractor for gravel, and will use an estimated 10,000 gallons of fuel per week.

On an average project, Salisbury said, about $10 million is distributed back to the local community during construction alone.

EDF estimates Faribault County will accrue an average of $800,000 annually from the project’s production tax.

Salisbury said the goal is to start construction in 2021. The date will be determined by land leasing efforts, as well as environmental studies, biological surveys and wind resource studies. EDF also will be working with the county to create an action plan for the project.

Also on Tuesday, the City Council:

o Passed an ordinance to establish a new city street in order to give the Dollar General store an adequate entrance from Highway 169. The engineering and improvements will be paid for by the Dollar General.