Hartford, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - As the state and federal permitting process continues for an offshore wind project benefitting Bridgeport and the state, the project lacks input from fishermen concerned about the environmental impact, Groton State Senator Heather Somers said.
Somers' comments came during the Commission of Environmental Standards meeting before the Department of Energy and Environmetal Protection.
UConn's Marine Science Division is conducting research on the impact on Fisheries. According to Somers,"Previous bids showed collaboration on research, including local fisheries...so they can provide input on what they want to see. My biggest concern is the impact wind farms will have on commercial fishing fleets. It's very important to me that they be included in that conversation."
A partner in the project, Atma Khalsa, representing Avangrid Renewables, said an effort will be made to have the fishermen to contribute to the research project.
The project, called Park City Wind is offshore, located 15 miles south of Martha's Vineyard. Officials project nearly $900 Million in direct economic benefits and jobs will be generated.
The project also calls for development of an 18-acre industrial parcel in Bridgeport known as Barnum Landing.
Projections call for the project to generate enough energy for 400,00 homes.
