State of Delaware - On March 12, Delaware residents are invited to come and learn about the recreational impacts of US Wind's offshore wind project during a public engagement event. This informative gathering intends to share details about the proposal to bring power lines ashore at 3Rs Beach in Delaware Seashore State Park.

US Wind's projects, MarWin and Momentum Wind, are working on the installation of up to 121 turbines. The local administration, led by Governor John Carney, is currently discussing with US Wind to potentially lease state land at 3Rs Beach-the goal: to deliver power from the turbines to our regional electrical grid.

Be advised, this March 12 public gathering is solely focused on the potential lease to permit the installation of underground cables at 3Rs. Also included in the itinerary is an exploration of the construction plan and what park visitors can expect to witness post-construction.

However, it is essential to note that the meeting will not take comments about the turbines themselves or any other components of transmission lines.

The US Wind projects are undergoing a separate federal process. The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is considering public comments on the project's environmental impact, with state environmental permits required should the projects proceed.

Shawn M. Garvin, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), emphasizes the department's commitment to public engagement throughout this project's development. "This public engagement event provides us an opportunity to share how this discrete portion of the project will impact recreational aspects at the park," he said.

Ray Bivens, Director of DNREC's Division of Parks and Recreation, assures that Parks staff will be available during the 4-hour event to answer any questions. Promising a breadth of information, visitors can arrive at any time to browse exhibits, ask questions, and better understand the project's impact on their beloved park.

Informational materials will be provided, delineating the existing parking area impact, in-ground infrastructure, construction phases, and any anticipated restrictions on recreational access during construction. Furthermore, future public meetings, how to sign up for public notices, and press releases will also be available.

Join us from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, at Bethany Beach Town Hall, 214 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach. We look forward to sharing with you and hearing your input.