Massachusetts has enacted bi-partisan legislation authorising a local authority to expedite construction of the interconnection between the 800MW Vineyard Wind offshore wind farm and the grid.
The legislation, co-sponsored by Democrat Senator Julian Cyr and Republican William Crocker, enables Barnstable Town Council to grant an easement for a portion of Covell’s Beach where the interconnection will be built.
Vineyard Wind chief development officer Erich Stephens said: “Following more than a year of close collaboration between Barnstable and Vineyard Wind, we’re grateful for the efforts of Cape Cod lawmakers to enact bi-partisan legislation that allows for construction of America’s first large-scale offshore wind farm.
“With the easement, Vineyard Wind can move forward with a programme that features minimally invasive burial techniques 30 feet below the tideline with no disruption to the shoreline.”
The legislative vote follows a host community agreement (HCA) between the Town of Barnstable and Vineyard Wind, which was unanimously supported by the Barnstable Town Council in October 2018.
The HCA includes annual payments to the Town of at least $1.534m in combined property taxes and host community payments, totalling a guaranteed $16m host community payments.
The town council has dedicated the resources to municipal water protection efforts.
The HCA also includes $80,000 for reconstruction of a bathhouse at Covell’s Beach, repaving of an aged parking lot at the beach, barring construction between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and collaboration on design features.
The company and the town are working in close collaboration to aid the Town’s sewer needs by co-locating sewer infrastructure in conjunction with Vineyard Wind construction, which will save costs to the town and reduce the need for future road openings.
Senator Cyr said: “The landing of the Vineyard Wind underwater transmission cable in Centerville will bring clean renewable electricity for thousands of local homes and businesses, and further establish our region on the leading edge of a clean energy future.
“Swift action on this legislation has been a priority for the entire Cape and Islands legislative delegation. With our vote, the Town of Barnstable will receive significant financial benefits and electric infrastructure improvements as a result of the project’s landing site.”
Vineyard Wind has expressed appreciation for the efforts of all Cape Cod officials, including the bi-partisan coalition of legislators who co-sponsored the effort.