Economic benefits

Although the wind park will be unseen from most of Cape Cod, and visible only one half-inch off the horizon on clear days, economic benefits from the Cape Wind project will be felt throughout the Cape. These benefits include:

• Spending with local firms and institutions on environmental and construction studies
• High-paying construction jobs, which will boost the local economy
• Year-round jobs to monitor, operate and maintain the wind park
• New tourism opportunities for local marinas and businesses
• Economic impact report

Environmental, geological and oceanographic studies

Even before construction starts, the Cape will accrue economic benefits from environmental, geological and oceanographic studies. Many of these studies will be managed by regional companies and organizations. ESS Group Inc., Cape Wind's lead environmental consultant, recently opened an office in Sandwich, MA to support this and other Cape Cod projects. And Cape Wind’s local office is in Yarmouth Port.

Construction jobs

The construction phase is expected to last 18 months and employ dozens of people during the peak construction period. The resulting secondary and spin-off spending will benefit local businesses.

Year-round jobs

Once the project is complete, year-round jobs will be created to monitor, operate and maintain the park. To ensure peak efficiency, the turbines will be monitored 24 hours a day from a high-tech control center located on the Cape and will receive regular preventive maintenance checks.

New tourism opportunities

Because of the Cape’s scenic beauty and pristine beaches, visitors from around the world have come to enjoy its natural resources. And Cape Wind is committed to preserving that environment.

From the shore, the slender supporting towers will blend into the horizon, but when seen up close, the wind park offers a majestic view. As this inspiring view is only possible from the water, demand for tourist visits will create new opportunities for tour boat operators. Charter fishing boats, sailboat tours and scenic cruises may include the wind park as part of their Cape experience. The wind park, like so many across the globe, can become a new eco-tourism destination.

A high-tech presence

Recently, Cape Cod has become a center of high-tech growth. State-of-the-art facilities like Cape Wind and the potential for technology transfer will continue to attract additional high-tech jobs to the Cape.