Massachusetts’ Offshore Wind Project Continues With New Bedford

New Bedford takes another step toward hosting offshore wind development projects.

The Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Abigail Hopper toured New Bedford's port and spoke with city officials on the developing program.

Last month, two companies won bids on provisional leases off of Massachusetts' coast.

When asked if New Bedford workers will be ready for offshore wind, Mayor Jon Mitchel said the key will be to create training programs sooner than later:

The two companies, RES America and Offshore Wind MW, will need to submit their Site Development plans to the Bureau within a year. They will then have up to five years to submit their Construction and Operations plan. Upon approval, the companies would have a 25 year lease on the more than 160-thousand acre areas.