Nahant seeks RFPs on Causeway project

NAHANT – The state is moving forward with its plans to install wind turbines along the Nahant Causeway and on the Nahant Beach Reservation.The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) recently invited to submit proposals for the project, which would locate wind turbines along the Causeway to power the street lights and the Nahant Beach Reservation.In the fall of 2008, the selectmen, at the request of the Nahant Alternative Energy Committee, sent a letter to the state urging it to install wind turbines on light poles along Nahant Causeway as part of the rehabilitation project.Selectman Mike Manning, who was chairman of the Nahant Alternative Energy Committee at that time, said he is pleased the project could come to fruition.”Wind-powered lights on the causeway would reduce reliance on power from coal power plants and other forms of traditional energy,” he said. “It would benefit the environment without costing us or the state any money. The timing is right if it can be included as part of the Causeway reconstruction project. I have received a lot of positive feedback about this project from residents and there is a lot of support for it.”Town Administrator Mark Cullinan appointed Larry Bradley, who is currently the chairman of the Nahant Alternative Energy Committee, to represent the town on an evaluation team that has been set up by the DCR. Bradley said the committee has been charged with evaluating any proposals that are submitted for the project.”As far as I know turbines are a done deal,” he said. “The DCR will evaluate the responses it receives for the project and select a company to install the turbines.”Manning said it is his understanding the company selected by the DCR would handle the installation, service and maintenance so it would not cost the state or town any money.Cullinan said the town would not benefit financially from the project.”There are no direct savings for the town that I can see other than lowering our carbon footprint,” Cullinan added.Bradley said the DCR is trying to coordinate the proposed wind turbine project with the reconstruction of the Causeway.