NEW BEDFORD, Mass.—Gov. Deval Patrick says the nation's first offshore wind farm will use a New Bedford site as its construction staging area.
State officials say a planned $35 million terminal will support Cape Wind's construction, and other marine and commercial activities and future offshore wind projects.
Cape Wind, a 130-turbine wind farm, plans to begin operations in late 2012. It's the only offshore wind project that's cleared a lengthy federal review.
State officials say the terminal will be funded by government dollars and operating revenues. It will include a 1,200-foot long bulkhead and 20 acres of surface space and create 200 jobs during construction.
The Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound, a Cape Wind opponent, said a pricey project that relies on millions in tax dollars just showcases Cape Wind's spiraling costs.
