Press Release  Governor Healey Responds to Trump Administration’s Cancellation of $34 Million for Salem Offshore Wind Terminal

Boston — Governor Maura Healey released a statement today in response to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision to cancel funding for port infrastructure projects, including a nearly $34 million investment to the City of Salem to redevelop a vacant industrial facility into an offshore wind terminal. 

“By cancelling this funding, 800 construction workers will lose their jobs, and jobs that would’ve been created in the future won’t happen,” said Governor Healey. “There is nothing wasteful about this project, which has been supported by both a Democratic and Republican Governor. The real waste here is the Trump Administration canceling tens of millions of dollars for a project that is already underway to increase our energy supply and support hundreds of workers and their families. As we head into Labor Day weekend, this action is a slap in the face to the hardworking men and women who keep our nation moving and deserve better than what they’re getting from their federal government.”  

“The President's actions are deeply concerning and have serious implications for the City of Salem," said Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo. "This project was set to transform 42.3 acres of vacant land into a heavy-lift port for marine industries, which would have generated hundreds of jobs and provided a boost to our economy.  The unilateral decision by MARAD to terminate the agreement, without any consultation with the Salem Harbor Port Authority, the City of Salem, or the port developer, is unacceptable. We strongly condemn this reckless move against Congressionally-appropriated funding that was awarded over three years ago. We are exploring all options and legal avenues available to ensure this vital project can continue forward.”

"Terminating funding for the Salem project is a direct blow to working families on the North Shore and throughout Massachusetts," said Chrissy Lynch, President of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. "More than 800 union workers from our communities are trained and have been ready to build this project with fair pay and benefits—now, those jobs may be lost. This project is a critical piece of our Commonwealth’s energy plan, and without it, working families will face even higher energy bills and our communities will have an even harder time keeping up with energy demand."

“President Trump just laid off over 800 construction workers on Labor Day weekend by revoking the grant for the expansion of the Port of Salem,” said Frank Callahan Jr, President of the Massachusetts Building Trades Unions. “This is a bad deal for our members and for future energy production in Massachusetts.” 

“President Trump said he was a job creator – he has turned into the biggest job destroyer of any President this country has seen,” said Rodrigo Badaro, President of the North Shore Building Trades Council. “It’s clear ‘Make America Great Again’ doesn’t include construction workers on the Norh Shore.” 

“The construction industry already has enough uncertainty right now. Cancelling federal investment for a significant project like the one in Salem is alarming,” said Joe Byrne, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. “It will cost local workers good jobs and good paychecks, which are not easy to replace. It puts at risk the additional development that always follows infrastructure projects. Federal investments in infrastructure have always been reliable backstops and stimulants for the economy. We worry that may no longer be the case.” 

###