Mayor Mitchell’s Statement On Massachusetts Wind Energy Awards

New Bedford, Massachusetts – New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell released the following statement today, on the Commonwealth’s announcement about the third wave of offshore wind power.

“The Massachusetts offshore wind contracts awarded today will help solidify New Bedford’s status as the center of an offshore wind industry cluster. I congratulate Vineyard Wind and Mayflower Wind, and thank the Baker-Polito Administration for its support.

Today is also an occasion to assess the broader offshore wind landscape, and in particular, to acknowledge what has become a fierce competition among Massachusetts and nearby states. Each state is racing to establish itself as a leader in the wind industry. In this competition, New Bedford offers a critical edge for Massachusetts, as the closest industrial port to the wind project sites, and the home of one of America’s largest maritime workforces.

That’s why it is imperative for Massachusetts, now that we have a solid foundation of awarded projects, to build with all deliberate speed the port infrastructure necessary for wind developers to fulfill the terms of their awards. In doing so, we will ensure not only their success, but also will make the most of a generational opportunity to root an entirely new industry here.”

–New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell