Blackford County Reports Tens of Thousands in Road Damage Fees From Solar and Wind Construction

From the Blackford County Commissioner Meeting on June 1, 2026

The highway superintendent presented commissioners with a detailed breakdown of road damage fees assessed against energy companies operating in Blackford County.

On the solar side, Leeward has been assessed $29,500 in truck fees and $223 for sign damage. On the wind side, RWE has been assessed $10,500 in truck fees, $1,400 for sign damage, and $42,000 for small structure repair. Two invoices from Leeward remain unpaid.

The superintendent also reported new damage: a solar contractor will have to replace a drainage structure on 100 South between 600 and 700 East. The structure was brand new, installed before the solar project began. The superintendent said it was damaged because contractors "can't seem to drive on the road, so they're driving off the road."

The county has previously approved a $99,000 audit of wind and solar projects to track compliance and impacts.

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.