Washington, D.C. - U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Governor Deval Patrick today announced the Department of Energy's intent to award Massachusetts $25 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to accelerate development of the state's Wind Technology Testing Center and create hundreds of new jobs in the Charlestown area. Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Malden), chairman of twin energy and climate panels in the House, joined other members of the Massachusetts' delegation in urging Secretary Chu to award funding to the Wind Technology Testing Center in an April 30, 2009 letter. The delegation has long supported the wind turbine blade test facility, having sent repeated letters to the DOE as far back as 2007.

In addition, the DOE awarded 53 new Massachusetts wind energy projects $8.5 million in economic recovery package funding.  Two of these projects are based in Massachusetts’ seventh Congressional district, represented by Congressman Markey.

The Cadmus Group, Inc., based in Watertown, was awarded $476,831 for its project developing an analysis tool for distributed wind technologies. Sustainable Energy Advantage, LLC, based in Framingham, was awarded $99,746 for its New England Wind Energy Education Project.

“Massachusetts continues to lead the way towards America’s clean energy future and these vital grants will help get us there,” said Markey. ”Wind will play a critical role in powering the future growth of our economy, helping to create jobs and lower energy costs.”

Increasing wind energy generation will be a critical factor in achieving the Obama Administration’s goals for clean energy, while also creating good-paying clean energy jobs here in America.

More information on the DOE’s program and the projects selected is available here: http://windandhydro.energy.gov.

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