State Funding Available for the Development of OSW Port Facilities
An influx of $500 million in New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) funding has become available for offshore wind (OSW) supply chain investments, aligning with the Climate Act goal of developing 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. With significant infrastructure growth in the Northeast, qualified ports present a vital resource to the offshore wind industry and can unlock long-term local economic development potential. Offshore wind represents a high-tech industry that will bring billions of investment dollars and thousands of jobs to New York and beyond, spanning the manufacturing, installation, operations and maintenance, and project development fields.
The rapidly expanding renewable energy sector creates interesting new opportunities for Roux’s clients and comes with complex new challenges. In the NYC Harbor and up the Hudson River, applicable port facilities will be likely impacted by historic fill, legacy contamination, and the need to raise the grade for sustainable operations. Intrusive remedies such as excavation or dredging can be cost prohibitive. Due diligence and environmental site investigations can provide useful information on existing conditions, including the extent of site contamination to aid in the selection of the appropriate path forward.
Based on Roux’s Brownfields and OSW port experience, these challenges can be overcome through experience and knowhow, aiding in areas such as:
- Historic Fill Management: Although present throughout several shorelines of the NYC metro area, historic fill/contamination has oftentimes naturally degraded over time, and alternative remedial approaches such as monitored natural attenuation, capping with beneficial use material, or engineered natural systems can be applied to a site, so it doesn’t need to be a deal breaker.
- Attaining Tax Credits: To supplement the costs of site remediation and redevelopment, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Brownfields Cleanup Program (BCP) Tax Credits can significantly benefit the right site and there are new, dedicated credits associated with renewable energy infrastructure. Entering into the program not only provides an environmental benefit, but opens the door for a wide range of sites to be successfully and efficiently redeveloped.
- Alleviating Ecological Concerns: Understanding nearshore concerns through aquatic and terrestrial ecological community mapping, submerged aquatic vegetation surveys, sediment analysis, and wetland assessments can lead to a successful redevelopment project and support cost-effective remedy selections, as well as aid in waterfront development permitting.
NYSERDA is accepting requests for qualifications for those located in New York State looking to take advantage of the $500 million in funds for investments in OSW ports, manufacturing, and other related supply chain infrastructure, due December 9, 2024. Roux has supported many NYC port developments and can help evaluate your property for those who are interested in applying. Roux has extensive experience with managing historic fill, navigating the NYSDEC brownfields tax credit program, and various ecological analyses in a variety of environments—all contributing to a successful OSW port facility project. To connect with one of our experts, please reach out using the link below.
