Well if you were out at all Monday night, you felt the power of the wind.

And in Saline county, landowners gathered to hear how wind could potentially make them some money.

A representative from Renewable Energy Systems Americas -- one of the largest wind development companies in the United States -- shared ideas for creating a new source of energy and revenue in the county.

The presentation from RES is the second since August, but it's just the first of four for this month.

More than 70 Saline county residents gathered in the Saline Center Hall to hear a pitch from RES - a company interested in setting up shop in the county.
And it's not the only interested business.

Saline County Wind Association Chairman, Dave Vavara says the county has quite a few options, so the association is trying to inform the public as much as possible.

The eight member board formed to help landowners in favor of a wind farm, negotiate with companies interested.

Tonight was the first of several meetings designed to give landowners a chance to see what each company has to offer.

Vavara says the association's goal is the make sure farmers and landowners are protected in negotiating possible deals to lease their land.

Projections for possible revenue from a wind mill farm range from 170 million to a possible one billion dollars if the county works with RES Americas.

Vavara says the numbers are staggering for rural Nebraska towns.

"It could have a tremendous affect when you're looking at 100 to 200 towers bringing in $14,000 dollars a tower" said Vavara. He did say $14,000 is on the high end for estimates.

Doug Horak landowner and board member for the wind association, says there's quite a bit of interest in residents wanting to lease their land.

He believes revenue possibilities will drive interest for other landowners.

"I think money is the bottom line, especially in this area that we're at. There's no irrigation and a lot of dry land, so we take our hits in stride year to year," said Horak.

But for now, Saline county residents will take the big revenue numbers in stride too.

A windy money well would still be two to three years away - if landowners give it a chance to fly.

Landowners have the opportunity to hear from three other companies interested in developing wind farms in Saline county.

The next meeting is scheduled for January 15th at the Saline Center Hall.