You may see another farm turn waste into energy after the Kewaunee County Board approved an initial resolution on Tuesday offering tax-exempt bonds for a solid waste facility on an Algoma dairy farm. WI RNG EN LLC is looking to build a solid waste disposal facility to convert cow manure produced at El Na Farms into natural gas, similar to what has been done at other large farms in Kewaunee County, such as Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy in Kewaunee and Dairy Dreams in Casco. The project would be financed with up to $45 million in revenue bonds from the county to help pay for the project. Revenue bond financing is typically used with tollways and local stadiums where the project’s revenue would help pay for its construction. Resident Lynn Utesch voiced his opposition to the project, saying the federal government offers enough funding opportunities for plans like this, and it does not need to be done on the backs of Kewaunee County taxpayers. He also says the practice also encourages a bad trend with manure in Kewaunee County to get worse.

The board was then addressed by bonding attorney Lynda Templin, who said these are the types of projects the federal government tries to get behind because of their renewed focus on alternative fuel sources.

The Kewaunee County Board voted 16-2 in favor of the initial resolution. Templin reiterated that the passage shows interest in a potential partnership and does not bind them to do anything.