The mayor of Ocean City’s letter to the editor in the Feb. 23 edition complains about the generous offer from US Wind to beach towns. This goodwill offer of $2 million per town answers some opponents of offshore wind who say, “What’s in it for us?” Well, here’s the answer: 2 million bucks each. That might help Rehoboth Beach with its multimillion dollar deficit.
Most businesses that propose new capital installations, like an automobile assembly plant, are courted by state business development officials who say, “Please bring your investments, tax base, payroll to our state to improve our economy. Why, we’ll even offer you tax breaks.” Often there is a bidding war between states.
But for some reason, new multibillion-dollar investments in wind farms have put the shoe on the other foot, with the developer offering local governments a peace offering rather than squeezing government for more tax breaks. Wind projects are going above and beyond the call of duty to be good to their new neighbors – us!
And the request not to sue or pester the wind farm in return for the gift is a fair thing to ask.
If Mayor Meehan does not want this offer, fine. Let others enjoy the money.