Quonset Business Park is best known as the region’s leading engine of economic development and job growth, but we also play a critical role in protecting the local environment and supporting clean energy initiatives.
Question 4 on this year’s ballot, known as the Green Bond, asks voters to approve $53 million in bonds for “green” infrastructure, including nine separate environmental projects. The largest investment is at the Port of Davisville.
In recent years, the port has emerged as a crucial hub for offshore wind energy in the North Atlantic, but the industry is growing. Rhode Island’s ports must expand to both meet the rising demand and take advantage of the opportunity to create thousands of new jobs. The Green Bond will expand the port’s infrastructure, helping Rhode Island meet its climate goals.
The port currently services the Block Island Wind Farm, South Fork Wind and Vineyard Wind. It is also home to Revolution Wind’s fleet of offshore wind service vessels.
The 704 megawatts of clean energy generated by Revolution Wind will “plug in” at Quonset, powering more than 350,000 homes across Rhode Island and Connecticut.
When our state and federal partners invest in the Port of Davisville, those investments pay off. In the last 20 years, the port has increased its auto imports by 745% and is now consistently among the Top 10 auto importers in North America. Over 1,600 jobs at about 100 companies are already supported by the port, and further investment is projected to support an additional 1,100 jobs.
On November 5, Rhode Island voters will have the opportunity to support the Port of Davisville, as well as other key environmental programs, including clean water, farmland preservation, climate resilience and more.
