The N.J. Economic Development Authority recently received $50 million funding award through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Transmission Siting and Economic Development grant program.
Upon the expected approval of the EDA Board, the EDA and its collaborators will 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.
The EDA’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 (DAC).
Following NJEDA board approval and upon execution, the grant will support:
- A Community Investment Fund to support capital projects identified and chosen by residents through Participatory Budgeting, a democratic process where residents propose, vote on, and lead spending decisions for community improvement projects in localities where new renewable transmission infrastructure is sited. At least 40% of the funds under this program will be targeted for DACs.
- A new Transmission Trailblazers Training program in collaboration with Atlantic City Electric that will provide skills training to 200 individuals for entry-level jobs in transmission, with a target of 70% of enrollments from DACs.
- An upskilling training program on high-voltage direct current methods through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 400. The program will be provided to 30 individuals, with a target of 40% of enrollments comprising workers from underrepresented communities or facing labor market displacement.
- A pre-apprenticeship training program for electrical careers that supports entry into IBEW Local 400 and other electrical trade jobs, with a target of 40% of enrollments from DACs and underrepresented communities.
- The development of a transmission corridor bike path that will utilize transmission rights-of-way and existing trail paths to create a larger interconnected trail system, bringing economic and quality-of-life benefits to New Jersey communities.
Gov. Phil Murphy, a strong proponent of offshore wind throughout his time in office, was obviously thrilled.
“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,” he said. “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.”
EDA CEO Tim Sullivan said the grand will have huge impact.
“Under Gov. 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,” he said.
“Though 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.”
Todd Larson, the director of training at IBEW Local 400, said the money is an investment into a more diverse workforce.
“These programs are exactly the type of smart investments into our disadvantaged communities that the IBEW Local Union 400’s Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee is proud to be a partner in,” he said. “We can bring career opportunities to those who need it most, while building up our state infrastructure and doubling down on clean energy.”
