Norcross
U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross, D-1st District, announced a $2.8 million grant to expand the Paulsboro Water Treatment Plant to support job growth in the South Jersey offshore wind industry.
The money, announced April 12, is being awarded through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Authority. That EDA investment is being matched by another $2.8 million in local funds. The project is expected to create 500 jobs, retain another 100 jobs, and generate an estimated $250 million in private investment.
“The offshore wind industry in South Jersey means good-paying, clean energy jobs for local workers. To accommodate economic growth, we need to invest in the infrastructure that will support a growing industrial base right here in Paulsboro,” said Norcross. “I’m excited to see federal agencies like the EDA supporting local projects to accelerate our transition to clean energy and create jobs.”
“The EDA investment will provide the wastewater treatment capacity necessary for the development of a new manufacturing facility for offshore wind turbine components,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
A groundbreaking for the Paulsboro Wind Port took place back in September.
“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in helping communities implement their plans to provide the vital infrastructure that businesses need to be successful,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Castillo. “This EDA investment will help create a more resilient local economy while also helping meet the Biden Administration’s commitment to a clean energy future.”
The funding also continues a positive economic trend toward building up the clean energy sector, especially in South Jersey.
Last month, Rowan University received $500,000 in federal funding for a wind power workforce development program. At that event, Norcross spoke about the importance of clean energy environmentally and economically, and said the funding is “priming the pump” for South Jersey kids.
“It’s about jobs and a career; it’s about education and it’s about security,” Norcross said. “Imagine the world today 20 years from now and what our economy is going to look like based on clean power. It’s about giving opportunities to kids who want to go to school and succeed, whether you’re a welder or an engineer.”
