In southern Minnesota, a nice gust of wind at this time of year is welcome because it makes the heat more tolerable. But the wind may have more potential benefits than just a cooling effect. Other parts of the state are proving that harnessing the power of wind can bring money, as well as a clean source of energy.

In Murray County in southwestern Minnesota, 57 wind turbines are going up, and more could follow, with the state’s largest energy company required to get 10 percent of its juice from renewable sources.

It’s a growing industry that Freeborn County should keep an eye on. While the potential for wind power isn’t as great here as it is farther west, it’s still good. A few turbines have popped up on the county’s skyline in recent years and only a few miles south of here in Joice, Iowa, a huge wind farm operates.

These wind farms can be an economic help to the area where they are built. The Murray County development, for instance, is expected to create 100 construction-related jobs and up to 10 permanent jobs for maintenance and service. In addition, its developer says it will generate close to a half-million dollars annually in real estate and royalty taxes.

Taking advantage of natural advantages is a key part of economic development. Down the road, wind power could become one part of an economic solution for Freeborn County.