A recent federal grant proposal aimed at developing Sears Island has been rejected. The grant was intended to fund the building of an offshore wind port on the island, one of the largest uninhabited islands off the US east coast that is connected by a causeway. While this news doesn’t mean that Sears Island is clear of being developed, it does cause a setback to plans to develop this beautiful place.
Opponents have long argued for preserving Sears Island’s natural beauty, emphasizing that its untouched landscape is far more valuable than development, especially with the already industrialized Mack Point nearby. Earlier this year, Governor Janet Mills chose Sears Island over Mack Point for this project, sparking ongoing debate and efforts to protect Sears Island.
According to the DOT press release, applications to the program far exceeded available funding. The department received over 200 applications requesting more than $27 billion in funding, and selected 44 projects to receive $4.2 billion in grants.
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