Salisbury, MD - The Maryland Public Service Commission has released an initiative to build offshore wind turbines in Salisbury and Wicomico Counties. E and E News reports that the project would create nearly 9,700 jobs and $1.8 billion in state spending. The plan is also part of a goal for Maryland to be one of the first states in the nation to take advantage of this renewable energy source.

"[Maryland] is positioned to become a national leader in the burgeoning offshore wind industry by securing tangible commitments to develop a robust supply chain in Maryland utilizing small businesses and minority business enterprises," the Public Service Commission said in a statement, according to Salisbury Independent.

For the actual construction of the project, the Public Service Commission is required to use local ports, thus further supporting the local economy. The developers of the project, U.S. Wind Inc. and Deepwater Wind Holds LLC, are required to spend at least $76 million on Maryland steel, E and E News reports. Carbon and stainless steel are two of the four most common metals used in the construction industry, the others being copper and aluminum. Domestic sourcing of this project creates a local-focus for large-scale construction projects.

The companies will also be required to give $40 million to Tradepoint Atlantic, a local shipyard near where the assembly of the turbines will take place. In a statement to E and E News, David Roncisnske, a representative with Warf, Dock Builders, Pile Drivers, and Divers Local Union 179, said that he is optimistic about what the project will do for local labor.

"We're extremely excited about it," he said "The nature of the project demands labor, and so their promises -- they don't have a choice. If they want to install this, if they're going to finish their project, they're going to need people to do it, lots of them."

E and E News reports that the Maryland Service Commission chose wind energy largely because they could use Maryland renewable electrons rather than sourcing them out-of-state. Using renewable energy like wind energy has incentives on both the federal and state levels. The federal government subsidizes up to 30% of solar cost, and each state offers individual incentives. Maryland, in particular, offers tax credits to residents for bio-heating oil, clean wood burning wood stoves, participation in wind and geothermal energy programs, and other forms of energy, according to the Maryland Energy Administration.

Salisbury Independent reports that this state-wide wind energy project still needs approval from the federal government.