In July, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) received a notice of a $50 million funding award through the United States Department of Energy’s (USDOE) Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) Grant Program. Upon NJEDA Board approval of the grant award, the NJEDA and its collaborators plan to fund a portfolio of initiatives that will prepare local residents for careers in the clean energy industry. It will also fund local projects designed to increase civic engagement and further economic mobility in communities with new renewable transmission infrastructure.
“Offshore wind presents us with not only a pathway to a clean energy future but an opportunity to generate impactful economic growth and family-sustaining, union jobs,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Thanks to our partners at the U.S. Department of Energy, this critical funding puts us closer to realizing the offshore wind industry’s full potential for the benefit of all New Jerseyans.”
“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is poised to capture the momentous opportunity presented by offshore wind by investing in projects and infrastructure that will contribute billions back to the state economy, grow our clean energy future, and better the environment for generations to come,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Through the Transmission Siting and Economic Development Grants program, the NJEDA will fund locally-driven, high-impact community projects that increase access to workforce training, connect residents with good-paying, family-sustaining careers, and improve quality-of-life.”
The NJEDA’s proposed initiatives will integrate community-driven decision-making with capital improvements and foster equitable access to good-paying careers while prioritizing federally designated Disadvantaged Communities (DACs). Following NJEDA board approval and upon execution, the grant will support:
“The Transmission Siting and Economic Development Grant Program’s $50 million award will create numerous opportunities across New Jersey to stimulate the economy, help residents learn new skills through training programs, and enhance the quality of life in disadvantaged and vulnerable communities,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “We are grateful to our partners at the U.S. Department of Energy for this funding, which will boost our green economy by creating good-paying clean energy sector jobs and enhancing community engagement statewide.”
“The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) thanks the Biden Administration for its continued support of the Garden State’s growing offshore wind industry, which remains pivotal to our achievement of 100% clean energy by 2035,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “This significant funding will support union job training and spur economic opportunities in local communities hosting critical transmission infrastructure projects across our state.”
“These programs are exactly the type of smart investments into our disadvantaged communities that IBEW Local Union 400’s Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee is proud to be a partner in,” said IBEW Local Union 400’s Director of Training Todd Larsen. “We can bring career opportunities to those who need it most while building up our State infrastructure and doubling down on clean energy.”