Will Strengthen New York's Position as the Nation's Hub for Offshore Wind
Empire State Development today announced that a $48 million federal grant has been awarded through the United States Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program to support the construction of Arthur Kill Terminal (AKT) as an offshore wind staging and assembly coastal seaport on Staten Island. AKT represents an unparalleled opportunity to meet the urgent need for suitable offshore wind ports on the East Coast and will be an important asset for offshore wind as the only non-bridge restricted offshore wind staging and assembly port in New York State.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Arthur Kill Terminal will help harness the potential of offshore wind to fuel our economy forward and meet Governor Hochul’s ambitious climate goals. New York will continue to strengthen our clean energy infrastructure, create green jobs for New Yorkers, and prepare the region for the economy of tomorrow.”
New York State submitted an application to MARAD to secure funding to support the construction of the undeveloped 32-acre site into a purpose-built offshore wind port. AKT would allow for the in-port assembly of complete wind turbine towers, other tall offshore wind structures, and the use of the full array of offshore wind transport and installation vessels and methods, including Jones Act-compliant jack up wind turbine installation vessels and floating offshore wind turbines and foundations. AKT’s two-year construction phase is estimated to create 600 direct jobs with nearly $277 million in direct economic impact. When AKT is operational, it is estimated to create over 150 direct jobs with $102 million in direct economic impact annually. Construction of AKT is expected to begin late Fall 2023.
Atlantic Offshore Terminals CEO Boone Davis said, "This grant is more than just a major milestone for Arthur Kill Terminal. It's confirmation that New York will be a national leader in our country's clean energy transition. We're grateful to Governor Hochul, Empire State Development, and all of our partners and supporters who have made this day possible. Achieving New York’s ambitious climate goals means developing an offshore wind supply chain on Staten Island and in other parts of the State, and we're proud to work with this administration to deliver the jobs, investment and expertise needed to do it."
Arthur Kill Terminal is essential to enabling timely and cost-effective construction of offshore wind projects and would be a significant strategic asset for the offshore wind supply chain. By establishing Staten Island as a major supply chain hub for the assembly and deployment of offshore wind turbines and foundations on the East Coast, AKT will provide local and regional workers with unique opportunities to obtain safety training and hands-on experience with the handling, assembly and pre-commissioning of offshore wind components, with a significant amount of the work involved in constructing and operating the facility going to workers and businesses in historically disadvantaged and environmental justice communities.
Today’s announcement bolsters efforts to build out New York’s green economy with clean energy infrastructure. AKT is a prime example of smart port infrastructure that will maximize domestic economic benefits and job creation from a once in a generation opportunity. New York State's offshore wind project pipeline currently has five projects in active development that totals more than 4,300 megawatts, will power more than 2.4 million New York homes, and is expected to bring a combined economic impact of $12.1 billion to the State.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, please visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
Contact:
Emily Mijatovic | [email protected] | (212) 803-3692