Why Question 4 is key to sustainable economic growth - by Steven J. King

While Quonset Business Park in North Kingstown, R.I., is known as the region’s leading engine for economic development and job growth, we also play a critical role in protecting the local environment and helping the state achieve its clean energy goals.

In Rhode Island, 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 of which is an investment in the Port of Davisville.

In recent years, Quonset’s Port of Davisville has emerged as a crucial hub for offshore wind energy in the North Atlantic, but the industry is growing, and 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 to meet its climate and clean energy goals.

The port currently services the Block Island Wind Farm, South Fork Wind and Vineyard Wind. It is also home to Revolution Wind’s Offshore Wind Logistics and Operations Hub, as well as the project’s fleet of offshore wind service vessels and a service helicopter.

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, success follows. In the last 20 years, the port has increased its annual imports by 745%. Over 1,600 jobs at about 100 companies are already supported by the port and further investment will support an additional 1,100 jobs. The port is also consistently among the Top 10 auto importers in North America.

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 for drinking and swimming, farmland preservation, climate resilience, flood prevention and more. Join us in protecting our water, land, and quality of life across Rhode Island.

Steven J. King, PE, is the managing director of the Quonset Development Corp., North Kingstown, R.I.