For Immediate Release: September 17, 2009 Further Information: Mark Forest/Rory Sheehan - 202-225-3111 DOE OK’S FUNDS FOR NANTUCKET-VINEYARD TIDAL ENERGY PROJECT WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt announced today that the Department of Energy approved $599,547 in funding for the proposed Nantucket-Edgartown Tidal Energy Project being coordinated by the University of Massachusetts Marine Renewable Energy Center. “Our oceans have significant potential to provide renewable energy for coastal communities throughout New England,” said Delahunt.  “I am pleased to see the Department of Energy endorse this exciting project, which will develop new and promising technologies while providing renewable energy to the residents of our region.”  The funding comes from the Energy Department’s Advanced Water Power Program.  The winning proposal, titled “The Environment Effects of Sediment Transport Alteration and Impacts on Protected Species Project,” will be an important step toward initiating permitting for a 1.5 MW Tidal Energy Project in Muskeget Channel east of Martha’s Vineyard.  The project will be managed by Steve Barrett, Director of Clean Energy at Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Inc (HMMH). The objective of this study is two-fold: (1) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with sediment transport alteration of two established tidal energy technologies - horizontal open bladed turbines mounted on monopoles and horizontal helical turbines that float from moorings; and (2) to collect and analyze information on the occurrence and potential impacts of protected species in the project area.   HMMH will direct, administer, and communicate all aspects of the proposed environmental studies program.  HMMH will also communicate the tidal project’s goals and the objectives of the proposed environmental studies to regulatory staff, local governments, and stakeholders and interest groups.  HMMH and the Town of Edgartown will use the information generated to support federal, state, and local permit applications associated with the first stage pilot project. The project team includes several outstanding reasearch groups, including: UMASS-Dartmouth School for Marine Science & Technology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS), and the Battelle Memorial Institute.  UMASS and WHOI will collborate on a study of the potential changes in sediment movement caused by the tidal energy project and potential impacts on benthic communities.  PCCS will evaluate the existing populations of protected species such as seals and sea turtles in Muskeget Channel.  Battelle will provide support in Geographic Information Systems and data analysis. The project will start in December 2009 and be completed over a two year period.   -30- Newsroom