MEA launches two offshore wind grants with total allotted funds of $2.8 million
The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) says it is launching two offshore wind grants for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Maryland Offshore Wind Capex program with allotted funds of $1.6 million dollars and Maryland Offshore Wind Workforce Training Program with allotted funds of $1.2 million dollars.
Maryland Offshore Wind Workforce Training program provides grant funding on a competitive basis to support Maryland’s workforce entering the offshore wind industry. Both new and existing workforce development training centers, focused on offshore wind industry can apply. Training centers must provide the education of a technical trade skill(s) and safety standards utilized for the development, construction, and operations and maintenance phases of an offshore wind project. The training center must provide technical and safety training at no cost to all participating students. Applicants must provide an outreach plan to prospective students from historically under-served communities, including but not limited to minorities, women, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate how project proposals will benefit Maryland’s emerging businesses, including minority-owned emerging businesses.
Maryland Offshore Wind Capex program provides grant funding on a competitive basis to help defray capital expenditure investments for Maryland’s emerging businesses, including minority owned emerging businesses, entering the offshore wind industry. Both new or existing Maryland businesses engaged in the offshore wind industry may apply. Additionally, businesses businesses willing to relocate or expand into Maryland after receiving a grant award may also be eligible. Capital expenditures that may be offset by grant funds include renovations/improvements to real property or the purchase and installation of equipment necessary for providing goods and services to the offshore wind industry. Grant funds may not be used for the purchase of real property.
