Quonset Points

e-Newsletter

February 2009

In This Issue
Governor Recognizes Success at Quonset
More Expansion at Electric Boat
Massive Turbine Transport Project
Quonset Progress
 
Governor Recognizes Success at Quonset
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Positions Rhode Island for Future Growth
 


In his annual State of the State address, Governor Carcieri included the Quonset Business Park as an important part of his strategy to position the state for the future and as a place where already aggressive work is producing results.

"In the area of renewable energy production, we have moved aggressively to make Rhode Island home to the first offshore wind project in the nation. DeepWater Wind, the company that will develop the project, will help us reach our goal of 20% of our state's energy being derived from renewable resources. In doing so, they will be adding 800 green collar jobs at Quonset - jobs that will help both the economy and the environment - as opposed to jobs that might put our bay at risk," Governor Carcieri said.

The Governor recognized the momentum at Quonset, pointing out that over 2400 new jobs have been added in the last four years and there has been $170 million in private investment with another $126 million in the pipeline. 

 
  Electric Boat Expanding, Again 
 

Photo Courtsey of Bloomberg News

Electric Boat is continuing to grow as it ramps up to produce two Virginia Class submarines each year. The Quonset Development Corporation Board approved a five year lease agreement with the defense contractor for a 125,000 square foot warehouse and assembly building. The lease will bring in $418,000 in rent each year and generate approximately $63,000 annually in Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) payments for the Town of North Kingstown. Electric Boat has already added 300 jobs over the last year, from 1,900 to 2,200, and expects to incorporate another 1,000 jobs over the next few years.   


Massive Turbine Transport Project
at Quonset Business Park
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Highlights Potential for Emerging Energy Industry

 
Photos Courtesy of Portsmouth RI EDC

Illustrating Quonset's potential as a Center for the Emerging Energy Industry
, and Governor Carcieri's commitment to developing the state as a major hub in the renewable energy field, a massive wind turbine was loaded onto a barge for transportation across Narragansett Bay on February 6, 2009.  The turbine, partially funded with help from the state's Renewable Energy Fund, will be located at the Portsmouth High School and will be able to generate up to 60% of the town's municipal energy.

"As you can imagine, moving these massive turbine parts presents transport challenges and requires special care," said   Richard Talipsky, Chair Portsmouth EDC.  "Quonset's water access, ability to accommodate the heavy load on its pier and availability of barge service makes it a great option since the overweight turbine parts cannot be transported across the Jamestown Bridge." 

"Today underscores the great potential for Quonset to become the center for the renewable energy industry in Rhode Island and the Northeast," said Governor Donald Carcieri. 

 
Quonset Progress Highlighted
at Newport  Luncheon


Things are really happening at Quonset! That was the general consensus from the Newport Rotary after a luncheon presentation from Quonset Development Corporation Managing Director Steven J. King and Port Director Evan Matthews.

"Quonset has a great story to tell about our momentum and growth that offers opportunities and benefits for the entire state, including across the Bay at Aquidneck Island," said King. "The folks on  Aquidneck Island are valuable neighbors for the Business Park who have always been interested in development at Quonset and I appreciated the chance to update them about our progress and look forward to ongoing dialogue"

The club invited King to speak after reading about the recent growth at the Port of Davisville and progress in positioning the Quonset Business Park as a hub for the emerging energy industry.