It has become a familiar refrain in Rhode Island. “What are they going to do with Quonset?”
The Navy pulled out three decades ago. Since then the former military base has been described as an “unpolished jewel,” with limitless economic development possibilities thanks to its deep water port, rail lines and air fields.
An argument can be made that Quonset Point/Davisville has been underutilized. But the truth is, recent years have seen remarkable economic activity take place there. Today, 141 companies operate out of the park. They employ 6,800 people.
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According to George Prete, vice president and general manager at the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, fiscal year 2002 was “the best year Quonset Point has ever had,” in terms of job development.
Gov. Lincoln Almond has championed a proposal to build a deep-water container port there. That project, however, has fizzled of late. Gubernatorial candidates Don Carcieri and Myrth York oppose the idea.
But even as the container port project has lost its momentum, the news out of the park continues to be positive. Even absent a container port, Quonset Point/Davisville is indeed among the state’s most valuable jewels.
For example, thanks to a deal with Volkswagen, 2003 will see more automobiles imported through Quonset than ever before. Rhode Islanders may be surprised to know that some 150,000 to 200,000 automobiles are expected to pass through Quonset next year.
With proper polishing, this jewel could produce even more such stories.
Voters can help make that happen tomorrow (Tuesday). Approval of Question 4 would commit the state to spending up to $11 million for road and utility infrastructure, building demolition and pier rehabilitation work.
We urge voters to approve this referendum. Simply put, it would be money well spent.
Keith Stokes, treasurer of the RIEDC’s board of directors, explains it this way: “Since 1973, the Rhode Island public has approved approximately $47 million in bonded funding for infrastructure improvements at Quonset/Point Davisville. In that same period, the private sector has invested over $1 billion in the park. That is a return on investment ratio of about 20 to one. The application of that same ratio means approval of Question 4 could lean to an additional $220 million in private investment – and new jobs as well – at Quonset.”
Approval of Question 4 will allow the state to proceed with plans to demolish the remaining abandoned buildings on the former Navy base. Land where those buildings once stood will be prepared for development.
Seawall repair in Davisville will pave the way for further economic development projects involving marine-related businesses. Railroad tracks running through the base need repair desperately.
This is not about a container port. This is about a host of important economic development projects. And if history is a barometer, Quonset Point/Davisville will provide a solid return on this investment.
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