Blackford County Declines RWE Request to Build Turnaround on County Right-of-Way

From the Blackford County Commissioner Meeting on June 1, 2026

The highway superintendent recommended that commissioners stay out of a request from wind energy company RWE to build a turnaround on a county-owned right-of-way on 100 East at 400 North.

The 24-foot right-of-way is deeded to Blackford County and once extended 100 East north to an old homestead. Mark Townsend, who owns the surrounding land, and RWE brought the matter to the superintendent's attention. RWE wanted the county to enter an agreement to build the turnaround, but the superintendent said the deed limits the right-of-way to "road purposes" only. He recommended any turnaround arrangement be made directly between RWE and Townsend.

Source: Meeting transcript — Blackford County - County Commissioner Meeting - June 1, 2026 (timestamps 31:03–37:02)

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.