$3.8 Million Announced for State-of-the-Art Wind Energy Training Facility

Congresswoman Grace Meng recently joined leaders in Queens from Local 3 IBEW, the Educational and Cultural Trust Fund, and the New York Electrical Contractors Association (NYECA) to celebrate the announcement of $3.8 million in funding for a state-of-the-art green energy training center for electricians aiming to be certified in renewable energy careers. The grant will specifically support the construction of an onshore and offshore wind safety training facility, providing classroom space, utility upgrades, and more.
The first-of-its-kind onshore-offshore wind training facility will be built on Rock Cut Road in the Town of Newburgh, and will be used by hundreds of union electrical workers each year for underwater and helicopter safety training with the use of a pool-like tank for required sea-survival and rescue training, and for training in underwater helicopter escape. The investment will be matched with $957,000 in local funds, and is expected to create 490 jobs and retain 2,870 more while generating $429 million in private investments.

“Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce, the training and work opportunities created by this grant will have a meaningful and positive impact on our current and future members who will work on the offshore wind projects critical to achieving the climate goals of New York State and our nation,” said Christopher Erikson, Business Manager of Local 3 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. “In conjunction with the Joint Industry Board’s Educational and Cultural Trust Fund and our signatory contractors in NECA New York, we will be able to construct a world class facility, in line with Local 3’s values of education, safety, and training. Thank you, Congresswoman Meng, the Biden-Harris administration, and all of our supportive friends in federal, state, and local government for helping this grant become a reality for Local 3’s members, who are eager to do their part in building offshore wind projects up and down our coastlines.” Watch the announcement here.