Stately tall windmills have altered the landscape of Gentry County. Local leadership sees the potential to do even more.

The turbines swishing through the air generating electricity have such an awesome appearance that the Bluegrass Ridge Wind Farm has become a bit of a tourist attraction. Seeing the need to provide more information to visitors - and to further develop the community - the Tri-County Alternative Energy Education and Visitors Center was envisioned.

Now, the not-for-profit King City group supporting the venture is in the process of raising funds for a 4,800-square-foot facility. It would house a visitors' center with hands-on activities for both children and adults explaining alternative energy and a viewing area of the Bluegrass Ridge Wind Farm developed by Wind Capital Group.

The facility also would offer educational programs and serve as a community meeting center.

We are convinced Northwest Missouri's future is closely linked to alternative energy. The innovations already birthed in the region are impressive and the future looks bright. We applaud King City leaders for taking the initiative on this project. In addition to filling a public information need, it would raise the region's status in the industry and boost the local economy.

The center's cost is estimated at $405,000. A tax-incentive program may provide the seed money to get started. The Missouri Department of Economic Development has approved $261,000 in tax credits under the Neighborhood Assistance Program. Businesses can donate cash, materials, technical assistance, labor, real estate or stocks and bonds. In turn, they receive state tax credits up to 70 percent of the amount contributed.

We encourage businesses to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in a promising portion of Missouri's alternative energy future.

With leadership from the local community and support from the state, the landscape may be changing again soon.