In 2007, LIPA rejected a proposed $700 million, 40-turbine project which would have been located approximately five miles from Jones Beach, saying the cost was too high. Opponents of the project —including then-developer Donald Trump — said it was too close to shore.
The farm, with as many as 15 turbines, is the first of several planned by developer Deepwater Wind. It will be located in a 256-square-mile area Deepwater is leasing from the federal government.
If specific elements of the project are begun this year it could potentially qualify for a 24 percent federal investment tax credit. This would reduce the cost by a projected $177 million. This, however, is open to interpretation by the Treasury.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo indicated his support for the project in his State of the State address earlier in the month, encouraging LIPA to approve the 90 megawatt wind farm.
A news release on Deepwater’s website quotes CEO Jeffrey Grybowski saying, “This is a big day for clean energy in New York and our nation. Governor Cuomo has set a bold vision for a clean energy future, and this project is a significant step toward making that a reality. The South Fork Wind Farm will be the second offshore wind farm in America, and its largest. There is a huge clean energy resource blowing off of our coastline just over the horizon, and it is time to tap into this unlimited resource to power our communities.”
Grybowski also said the project would employ hundreds of Long Islanders, but, LIPA cautioned there are no specific job guarantees in the contract.
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