Governor Deval Patrick today hailed a state board's approval of permits for the controversial Cape Wind project.

"The time has come to see the first offshore wind farm in America rise off the Massachusetts coast, a powerful symbol of our commitment to a clean energy future," Patrick said in a statement.

The project has sparked debate because it calls for erecting a wind farm with 130 turbines in Nantucket Sound.  Patrick said in a statement that the state had "done its job" of reviewing the project and the federal permitting process was winding down.

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles said the project was "ready to move forward. Soon, the Commonwealth will cement its position as the natural hub for the American offshore wind industry."

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