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Brooklyn offshore wind turbine project expected to create local jobs while improving environment

The plan calls on the construction of an offshore wind turbine staging facility and maintenance hub at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal.

News 12 Staff

Jan 21, 2021, 1:40 PM

Updated 1,420 days ago

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Brooklyn is about to get green jobs while improving the environment at the same time.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced what his office says is the largest offshore wind program in the nation is coming to Brooklyn.
The plan calls on the construction of an offshore wind turbine staging facility and maintenance hub at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal.
Community leaders saying it's about time.
"We are also very cautiously optimistic because we want to make sure that there is a commitment from EDC and from Equinor that there's going to be a real effort, a real intentional effort, to making sure that the people in our community get first priority with the jobs," says Cesar Zuniga, of Community Board 7.
In a statement, public advocate Jumaane Williams says, "This project presents an incredible opportunity for the revitalization of the New York City industrial waterfront that will create good jobs and clean energy at the same time - part of a just transition for New York City and state in the immediate recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis, and the long term economic and environmental sustainability of our city."
In another statement, Sen. Charles Schumer adds, "with a little lift, Sunset Park terminal can position New York State to manufacture offshore wind technology while leading the way in clean energy."
"Being part of the solution, being part of contributing toward fighting and implementing mitigation for climate change, I think that makes us all very proud," Zuniga says.
Brooklyn is included in one of two offshore wind farm projects. Cuomo says it will create more than 5,200 much-needed jobs.
The state's goal is to reach 70% of renewable energy by 2030. Officials say adding this project puts them ahead of schedule.