We have implemented a number of offshore wind specific programs that will not only support the existing projects but will scale to support the industries continued growth.  Our plans and investments are in our physical assets (ports), human assets (workforce) and innovation.

We are investing in port development to support the offshore wind industry at scale.  Our two deep water ports, ProvPort and the Port of Davisville will be used to support wind farm construction, operations and maintenance, along the entire northeast coast, not just Rhode Island.  We are working closely with the developers, tier one suppliers and various branches of state government to build upon our existing facilities.

We have aggressive workforce training programs to support all phases of the offshore wind industry from design and construction through operations and maintenance.  These programs are designed in partnership with the companies who need the workers to insure we are training to their rigorous standards and can supply a steady stream of workers as the offshore wind industry grows.

We have created a connected network of innovation with developers, Rhode Island companies, and our colleges and universities.  This has attracted new businesses to the state working on solving the complex issues offshore wind faces and we now find that Rhode Island is the hub of offshore wind innovation.

Each of these programs are supported financially by the state to insure we can help existing companies grow, attract new business, and create an innovative environment that can be used by the industry as a whole.

Understanding our marine environment - which recognizes no state boundaries - is critical to bringing regional solutions to this industry. Examples include marine aquatic life and working together to find additional ways we can grow the industry regionally with sound management practices.  We have heard from the major developers that they want collaboration between the states, and we have started discussions as a region on a wide range of topics to create efficiencies.  Some of the areas we are exploring are port utilization, training capacities, and supply chain. 

We work very closely with both developers and tier one suppliers to identify their supply chain needs and the resources that exist in Rhode Island and the region.  We have held many meetings between the supply chain and developers to explore opportunities and these have resulted in collaborative programs.  We are also working with our supply chain in assisting them in how to work in the offshore wind industry and what resources they need to participate.  Central to our supply chain effort is workforce development.

We want to ensure that there is a steady supply of trained workers in the supply chain.  This means we will aggressively train workers, both locally and regionally, to support industry growth.  We believe the supply chain is regional and the transport of workers, materials and products will flow between the states.  We have already shown how this can work if you look at the construction of submarines in the region.  There are several locations in New England where large portions of the boat are constructed, and these then transported to New London for final assembly.  We see the offshore wind industry moving in the same direction.