Wind turbines have been springing up all over the Stateline. But the latest project, proposed just north of Rochelle is different. This one would be built and operated by a municipal organization instead of a private company.

"We needed to have a portfolio of resources. Not have all of our eggs in one basket. It makes perfect sense to look for renewables." says Gary Larsen, President of The Northern Illinois Municipal Power Agency.

Donna Probasco lives near the site. She is worried about her property values dropping after the towers go up. She says she's not against wind energy, but because a municipality is running this project it doesn't have to be taxed. She is afraid the taxpayers of Ogle county won't be compensated.

"They have told us that they would compensate the county with what a private party would do, but that's yet to be seen. We haven't heard any figures on that." says Probasco.

All of the electricity would flow to Rochelle, Batavia and Geneva, the cities paying for the project. Depending on the amount of grant money they receive, residents of all three communities would see an increase on their energy bills from 40 cents to $2 a month.

The Northern Illinois Municipal Power Agency will likely decide whether or not to pursue the project within the next thirty to sixty days.