As part of New York’s effort to recover from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 crisis, a consortium of some of the Hudson Valley’s most accomplished and experienced developers, city planners and environmental experts unveiled a plan to activate Port Cortlandt, one of Westchester County’s most valuable and untapped Hudson River access points, as the state’s next offshore wind economic hub.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) confirmed the Port Cortlandt waterfront site among 11 sites competing for up to $200 million in grant funding to develop critical port infrastructure. The funding is part of Governor Cuomo’s commitment to developing 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035 – the most aggressive offshore wind plan in the country.
Port Cortlandt’s bid seeks to redevelop a 54-acre waterfront and upland property owned by the Town of Cortlandt just south of Indian Point Energy Center – scheduled to be shut down next year. The project represents a remarkable opportunity to bring investment, green jobs, community benefits, and a new source of tax revenue to a disadvantaged community as the shutdown of Indian Point will leave its largest impact on local residents, businesses, and schools.
The future viability of New York’s offshore wind supply chain depends on the type of port infrastructure that Port Cortlandt is ideally suited to provide, including vital wind turbine manufacturing, fabrication, storage and launching facilities.
The physical and environmental attributes of Port Cortlandt make the site prime for development. Sitting alongside a deep-water channel in the heart of New York’s multi-tiered offshore wind supply chain, the proposed site offers natural protection from storm surges and flooding, and the unused property promises to require low construction and operational costs. The inclusion of adjacent, contiguous properties could allow for a phased development exceeding 180 acres in total.
A proposer’s conference was held on Aug.12 and bids are due Oct. 20. NYSERDA expects New York’s first two offshore wind ports to be operational by 2024.
