WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Mike Michaud delivered the following statement through a staff member at the dedication ceremony taking place in Eastport for Ocean Renewable Power Company's (ORPC) Cobscook Bay Tidal Energy Project, which will be the company's first fully assembled TidGen turbine generator unit (100 ft. long and about 15 ft. high). The unit will be installed in August and connected to the grid to deliver electricity to Maine consumers starting in October.

"I'm sorry that the House schedule prevents me from being with you in person. There's nowhere I'd rather be today than celebrating this exciting dedication in Eastport.

"Two years ago, when you had first successfully generated grid-compatible power from tidal currents, ORPC CEO Chris Saurer appropriately called Eastport the 'Kitty Hawk' of tidal energy. Today, this project, which is the first of its kind in the United States, truly takes flight.

"In Congress, I have been proud to support initiatives like this one that help Maine create jobs and lead the nation in clean energy. I worked to secure federal funding for tidal research in Maine, and I'm thrilled to see that research and development turned into results that will help increase our energy independence, spur investment, and pave the way for new advancements that will make a real difference for our communities and families.

"I'd like to extend my congratulations to the ORPC team and all involved in making this day a reality. ORPC has always been on the cutting edge in their field, and I'm excited to see what's next and stand ready to support your efforts."