GOVERNOR HOGAN: Thank you very much, David. That was a kind introduction.
Thank you so much. It’s an exciting day. I’m very happy to be back here. This is seems like we’re coming here to talk about new jobs all the time so it’s fantastic to be back here again. I want to thank you all of you for joining us this afternoon, as we really talk about this transformative new partnership in Orsted and Crystal Steel. Thanks for the tour and the job creation that we’re involved in here together with Orsted. This is just really exciting, as we establish Maryland’s very first offshore wind steel fabrication center. I’ve been talking a lot lately about our state’s health and economic ‑‑ the best in the country and continue to lead the nation. Our private sector is experiencing the fourth fastest job growth in America. 17 straight months of job growth here in the State of Maryland. A national survey just recently named Maryland the single most improved state for business in America.
[ Applause ]
We just announced last week that for the first time in nearly a quarter century the State of Maryland is projecting a budget in economic growth. David talked about this, but the focus of our administration has been being open for business, trying to create more jobs, to leave our state in better shape for future generations. And that means adding more jobs. It means ‑‑ technology and innovation. We’re seeing all of those things in action here today.
Orsted is a cutting‑edge company, and has made it their mission to create ‑‑ and they’re progressing toward that goal by their continued investment here in Maryland. This latest $72 million partnership will allow Crystal Steel to increase by up to a third in order to have the capability structural components that are fundamental to Orsted’s turbine foundations which will in turn be used to power at least 1.3 million homes. I was here for the ribbon cutting of Crystal Steel’s state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility back in 2018. I don’t know what happened to those two years during COVID, but it seems like it wasn’t five years ago. It seems like two or three years ago. But we are so pleased that this incredible family‑owned minority business continues to expand its footprint right here on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Offshore wind presents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity for the State of Maryland for our economy and our energy portfolio. Job creation potential and associated economic benefits for the broader supply chain is an absolutely game changer.
[ Applause ]
Up and down the east coast.
And the environmental benefits are beyond measurement. For seven years now, our state has been leading the charge when it comes to supporting responsible renewable energy projects and we’re proud to continue setting an example for the nation. Strong environmental leadership. I just want to again thank Orsted, Crystal Steel, and everybody who’s been involved to this point today for being a major part of both of those efforts and I want to say congratulations and thank you to everybody who’s brought us here today. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much. It’s an exciting day. I’m very happy to be back here. This is seems like we’re coming here to talk about new jobs all the time so it’s fantastic to be back here again. I want to thank you all of you for joining us this afternoon, as we really talk about this transformative new partnership in Orsted and Crystal Steel. Thanks for the tour and the job creation that we’re involved in here together with Orsted. This is just really exciting, as we establish Maryland’s very first offshore wind steel fabrication center. I’ve been talking a lot lately about our state’s health and economic ‑‑ the best in the country and continue to lead the nation. Our private sector is experiencing the fourth fastest job growth in America. 17 straight months of job growth here in the State of Maryland. A national survey just recently named Maryland the single most improved state for business in America.
[ Applause ]
We just announced last week that for the first time in nearly a quarter century the State of Maryland is projecting a budget in economic growth. David talked about this, but the focus of our administration has been being open for business, trying to create more jobs, to leave our state in better shape for future generations. And that means adding more jobs. It means ‑‑ technology and innovation. We’re seeing all of those things in action here today.
Orsted is a cutting‑edge company, and has made it their mission to create ‑‑ and they’re progressing toward that goal by their continued investment here in Maryland. This latest $72 million partnership will allow Crystal Steel to increase by up to a third in order to have the capability structural components that are fundamental to Orsted’s turbine foundations which will in turn be used to power at least 1.3 million homes. I was here for the ribbon cutting of Crystal Steel’s state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility back in 2018. I don’t know what happened to those two years during COVID, but it seems like it wasn’t five years ago. It seems like two or three years ago. But we are so pleased that this incredible family‑owned minority business continues to expand its footprint right here on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Offshore wind presents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity for the State of Maryland for our economy and our energy portfolio. Job creation potential and associated economic benefits for the broader supply chain is an absolutely game changer.
[ Applause ]
Up and down the east coast.
And the environmental benefits are beyond measurement. For seven years now, our state has been leading the charge when it comes to supporting responsible renewable energy projects and we’re proud to continue setting an example for the nation. Strong environmental leadership. I just want to again thank Orsted, Crystal Steel, and everybody who’s been involved to this point today for being a major part of both of those efforts and I want to say congratulations and thank you to everybody who’s brought us here today. Thank you so much.