BUZZARDS BAY The Massachusetts Maritime Academy welcomed Gov. Charlie Baker Tuesday afternoon, along with Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, and other state energy officials to talk about a $3.5 billion bill to revitalize Massachusetts in a post-pandemic world. They specifically focused on the parts of the legislation regarding clean energy investments.

Massachusetts has a vital role to play in the offshore wind industry, Baker said in comments to a group of about 80 people, half of whom are cadets at school.

The big goal here is to make sure that we dont miss the opportunity to be a national and, in some ways, a global leader in offshore wind, he said. He highlighted the states achievements in scientific research, such as being a major player in the development of COVID-19 vaccines. He said that Massachusetts could be a hub for the transition from fossil fuel-based energy to clean energy.

After the governorasked a cadet why Tuesdays were special at the academy, (its the day chicken patties are served in the cafeteria), Bakerspoke about new legislation filedby the Baker-Polito administration.

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FORWARD, or An Act Investing in Future Opportunities for Resiliency, Workforce, and Revitalized Downtowns, would be funded with $2.3 billion of ARPA money and about $1.256 billion in capital bond authorizations. Much of the bill focuses on using this money to strengthen infrastructure, revitalize downtowns, support climate resiliency and preservation efforts, and bolster workforce efforts such as unemployment funding.

Part ofthe money in the bill $750 million would be dedicated to clean energy, including money for higher education and workforce training forthe clean energy industry.

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The offshore wind industry cannot only boost the economy by providing jobs,it could helpMassachusetts to reach its net-zero emissions goal, Baker said. Currently,there are three proposals to provide 1.6 million homesacross the state with energy from offshore wind, he added.

He spoke about the need for thousands of people to work in the offshore wind industry and highlighted the importance of educational institutionssuch as Massachusetts Maritime Academy, in training the next generation of skilled workers. In fact, part ofhis proposed legislation wouldappropriate $10 million to Massachusetts Maritime Academy for workforce training for the offshore wind industry.

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When offshore wind began to emerge in this space where maritime meets energy, Massachusetts Maritime stood at the forefront, Rear Admiral Francis McDonald, president of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, said.

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center CEO Jennifer Daloiso said a well-trained, diverse workforce would be needed since the offshore wind industry is being built right off of the South Coast.

After the speeches concluded, attendees journeyed outside to view a wind liferaft crew demonstration.

Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Bethany Card, earlier had said that she hopes education inoffshore wind becomes a part of the traditional curriculum, just like rescue and sea training.

Contact Asad Jung at ajung@capecodonline.com. Follow him on Twitter: @asadjungcct.

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Gov. Baker proposes $3.5 billion legislation to bolster offshore wind - Cape Cod Times