Gov. Chafee Joins Sens. Reed and
Whitehouse to Celebrate New Addition
to Quonset's Port of Davisville
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Reed, Whitehouse, Langevin Secured
Federal Funding for Port Improvements
 | | Mobile Harbor Crane at the Port of Davisville |
Governor Lincoln D. Chafee joined Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today to announce the arrival of a Gottwald 7608 Mobile Harbor Crane at the Port of Davisville. The new addition, which will be based on Pier 2, is expected to increase port business and is seen as the last key element required for the Port to become active in the short sea shipping industry. Senators Reed and Whitehouse were instrumental, along with Congressman Jim Langevin, in securing federal funds for the crane.
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Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee
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"Today is a good day for Quonset and the future of Rhode Island. This extraordinary new piece of equipment will help us create more jobs and bring more business to our state and to our residents," said Governor Chafee. "This will ensure that Quonset Business Park continues to be the economic engine of growth that we need, and help define the Park as one of Rhode Island's key resources."
Quonset Business Park is already one of the premiere business parks in New England and one of the largest in the Northeast. It is a main driver of economic growth and job creation in Rhode Island. Quonset is home to 168 companies, employing more than 8,800 people in every sector of the economy. The Port of Davisville is the 7th largest auto importer in North America.
During the event, Senator Reed and Senator Whitehouse presented two keys to Governor Chafee and Steven J. King, PE, the Managing Director of Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) symbolizing the federal government's role in helping to bring the crane to Quonset. 
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General Assembly Endorses
$7.5M Dredging Project
Already the 7th largest auto importer in North America, the Port of Davisville is positioning itself to climb even higher. On Tuesday, Rhode Island lawmakers approved two resolutions authorizing a $7.5 million plan to dredge the Port of Davisville at Quonset. The legislation now heads to Gov. Lincoln Chafee, who supports the project, for his signature.
The proposed dredging, which comes at no cost to the taxpayers, will increase the channel depth to 32' feet adjacent to the Davisville piers and expand shipping capabilities at the Port. This will allow ships to carry more vehicles and more cargo. The resolution authorizes the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation to issue a $7.5-million revenue bond, which will be financed by QDC operating revenues and port users. By using a state revenue bond instead of federal funds, port users avoid paying a federal Harbor Maintenance Tax.
To see Steven King's testimony about the dredging project before the House Finance Committee, click here.
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Rhode Island Fast Ferry
Announces Major Expansion
--- New Boat, New Jobs
The Rhode Island Fast Ferry recently announced that it will add a newly constructed $6 million state-of-the art fast ferry to its Martha's Vineyard route which launches from Quonset. "We are excited to be on the cutting edge of the fast ferry technology," said Charles A. Donadio Jr., President of Rhode Island Fast Ferry. "We will be celebrating our tenth season and all our passengers will truly be benefiting from our success." The new 150-passenger ferry, will replace the current vessel, a 400 passenger Millennium catamaran. The interior cabin will be all business-class service with more leg room, luxurious Beurteaux seating, along with a snack bar, two restrooms, and five flat-screen TVs. Outdoor seating will be provided on the forward bow with the upper deck featuring, an outside sundeck as well as protected outdoor seating. To accommodate the busy summer season, Rhode Island Fast Ferry will be increasing its workforce to around 50 employees. They are currently looking to hire qualified Captains, Engineers, Licensed Mates, Deckhands, and Customer Service Agents. More information can be found on their website at www.rhodeislandbaycruises.com. |
