RI Delegation Steers Another $11.25M to Quonset to Strengthen Port Infrastructure

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI -- Highlighting the importance of well-maintained port infrastructure, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today announced $11.25 million in new federal funding for the Port of Davisville at Quonset Point through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). The Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) will use the federal funding, which was made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to move forward with its Project GUARD: Gateway Upgrades for Access, Resilience & Development.

Located in the Quonset Business Park in North Kingstown, the 235-acre Port of Davisville is the state's only public port. The business park offers port, rail, air, and ground transportation services that support over 230 businesses and hosts about 14,000 jobs. It is a major economic engine, not only for Rhode Island, but also the entire region.

Administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD), this latest PIDP grant funding will be utilized by QDC to relocate and consolidate the main port Entrance Gate and Port Operations Facility to increase efficiency and improve terminal access. QDC also plans to use PIDP funds to build a new, 8.6-acre terminal (Terminal 6), which would facilitate greater transport of offshore wind components and other large cargo to available laydown space further upland. Additionally, funds will support the new Frys Cove Road in order to provide further access to another 19.3 acres of laydown area while creating increased coastal access for the public. A portion of the funds may also be used to enhance functionality in the port and provide the resiliency needed from sea level rise due to climate change, as well as for general security upgrades, such as installing new lighting and cameras to increase port protection, ensuring the safety of employees and businesses on site.

With this latest federal grant, QDC has now received $37.5 million in PIDP awards since 2019, including last year's $3.88 million PIDP grant for a stern off-load ramp construction project; an $11.14 million PIDP grant that QDC used to revamp and reopen Pier 1 South; as well as an $11.25 PIDP grant to upgrade the port's North Berth at Pier 1.

"This is another win for Rhode Island and a smart investment in modernizing Quonset Business Park and increasing economic activity and job creation at the Port of Davisville. These federal funds will improve and modernize the port's infrastructure, improve security, build capacity for future smart growth, and spur future investments. Ultimately, it will lead to a safer, more efficient and productive port and stronger supply chains too," said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who helped spearhead efforts to include $2.25 billion over five years for PIDP grants like this nationwide in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

"The Port of Davisville is a driver of Rhode Island's economy and supports the creation of well-paying jobs," said Senator Whitehouse. "This funding from our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help modernize the Port and support new investments that will take the Ocean State's offshore wind industry to the next level."

"The Port of Davisville is a major economic engine for Rhode Island and a source of jobs for thousands of working people across our state," said Rep. Seth Magaziner. "This federal funding will help increase the port's capacity to handle cargo, streamline logistics and strengthen supply chains to help lower costs for Rhode Islanders."

"I am glad that our delegation helped secure this federal investment to help increase efficiency and capacity at Quonset Point, extend the service life of this critical port, and benefit our state's Blue Economy," said Congressman Gabe Amo. "I thank my colleagues for their work to bring these resources home as we continue to drive progress, support job growth, and build sustainable infrastructure in Rhode Island."

"Continued investment in Quonset's world-class infrastructure is one of the keys to our success, and that would not be possible without the steadfast support of our congressional delegation, led by Sen. Reed," said QDC Managing Director Steven J. King, P.E. "This new funding will support major upgrades and expansions at the Port of Davisville, allowing us to continue to serve as a key offshore wind hub in the North Atlantic and one of the nation's top auto importers and creating new, good-paying jobs."

The Port of Davisville has seen significant federal investment in recent years, including an $81 million INFRA grant to create a 'missing move' between I-95 and Quonset Business Park.

A 2023 economic impact study conducted by Bryant University and funded by the Quonset Development Corporation shows that the Quonset Business Park generated $5.9 billion in total economic output in 2022.

Investments made under the PIDP focus on modernizing America's coastal and inland waterway ports as well as strengthening its supply chains and economic security for generations to come. PIDP funds also aid in the reduction of carriers' shipping time, costs and ultimately the price of goods for the American people.

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