PIERRE, S.D. (KCCR) – The Hughes County Commission has put a hold on approving any new wind projects in the County. County Planning and Zoning officials have started to review Hughes County’s ordinances on wind energy development. Commissioner Roger Inman says there are some areas of focus.

The moratorium would prevent a wind project from slipping through before current ordinances are updated. County Manager Kevin Hipple says if a project moves ahead before the ordinances are changed, that project with have to follow the ordinance language.

Commissioner Norm Weaver doesn’t want Hughes County to run into issues like some neighboring counties.

The Hughes County Commission approved a four month moratorium on new wind projects. That will allow the Commission time to bring revisions to the Commission’s final meeting in May, hold a public hearing in June and bring final action on any changes in July.