U.S. briefing
Howard County wind turbines generated $2.71 million in 2024–25 taxes
A Centre for Rural Affairs case study puts wind-turbine taxes at about 14.5% of Howard County's overall revenue in 2024–25.
Howard County's 147 wind turbines generated $2.71 million in tax revenue in the 2024–25 tax year, according to a 2025 Centre for Rural Affairs case study. The turbines had a combined production capacity of 244 megawatts and accounted for about 14.5% of the county's overall revenue.
The county used Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, to direct much of its wind-related tax revenue toward public improvements. The mechanism uses increases in property-tax revenue associated with new development. According to the case study, it financed $21.5 million in special projects without additional costs to local residents, primarily for roads and bridges.
Wind-related TIF funding provided about $6.5 million for bridge work, including 30 replacements of bridges longer than 20 feet, part of four rehabilitation projects and two smaller replacements. Another $12 million went to roads, including 20 miles of paving and eight miles of grading.