In the single largest procurement of offshore wind in the state’s history, state officials said Friday they are pursuing power purchase agreements with SouthCoast Wind, New England Wind and Vineyard Wind II for 2,700 megawatts of electricity.
The massive housing bill passed Tuesday includes policies that explicitly give the Vineyard new ways to develop housing, allow accessory dwelling units by right in certain areas and make special allowances for towns with fluctuating populations.
Titled the Municipal Empowerment Act, the governor’s bill would allow towns to enact a new motor vehicle excise surcharge, raise the local hotel and home rental tax from its current limit of 6 per cent to 7 per cent, as well as increase the local option meals tax.
Gov. Maura Healey unveiled a $4 billion housing plan Wednesday that includes a local option transfer fee, a provision that Islanders have sought for years to help fight the Vineyard’s housing crisis.
With its borrowing limit increased by $50 million in the new state budget, the Steamship Authority now has the financial headroom to add a fourth ship to its growing fleet of identical former oilfield supply vessels, which the ferry line is converting into freight ferries.