Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee’s fiscal year 2023 budget proposal includes $46 million in State Fiscal Recovery Funds for the Port of Galilee project.
The Narragansett-based state port is the state’s commercial fishing industry hub and is run by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The agency has four projects underway in the north bulkhead area totaling nearly $15 million in investments.
Work includes the replacement of nearly 1,000 feet of bulkhead, the replacement of docks, heavy-duty piers along with asphalt repair work, protecting against the effects of climate change water supply, electrical, and security upgrades.
“From its origins in the mid-1900s as a cluster of fishing shacks to its status today as the 12th-highest-ranked port by landings value nationwide whose products are served around the world, Galilee is an economic and jobs powerhouse,” McKee said. “Just as important, it’s a working port and fact of life for hundreds of commercial fishermen, businesses that support them, and their families. I look forward to working with legislative leaders to invest in Galilee, ensuring that its businesses can be passed on to the next generation and that it remains one of the East Coast’s most vital fishing ports.”
The Rhode Island General Assembly must approve the budget item.