Rhode Island’s Gov. Dan McKee helped state and local officials cut the ribbon on a newly modernized Pier 2 at Quonset’s Port of Davisville Tuesday.
The expansion and modernization of the Pier will extend its life by 50 years. Costing an estimated $83.1 million, the project came in $7 million under budget, McKee’s office said. The project was funding through a bond approved by voters in 2016, as well as through funding from Quonset Development Corporation and port users.
The project extends the pier by 232 feet, creates a third berthing space and dredged the port as a way to accommodate larger ships. The expansion allows Davisville to continue its auto import success and prepare the port for future wind energy projects.
“Quonset’s Port of Davisville is a tangible example of Rhode Island’s economic momentum and investing in Quonset is investing in good paying Rhode Island jobs,” said Governor McKee. “I’m proud to cut the ribbon at Pier 2 and I’m looking forward to seeing the new $60 million investment my Administration secured in this year’s budget to ensure Quonset continues to be an economic driver for the state, positioning us to continue leading the nation in the race for offshore wind.”
Offshore wind developers are currently pursuing federal construction permits for locations off the New England coast. In order to accommodate increased wind energy activity, the state needs to continue preparing for the projects, McKee’s office said. The state’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget makes $60 million in infrastructure investments in the Port of Davisville, which will enable the construction of Terminal 5 Pier and complete the required dredging. Additionally, the infrastructure investment will prepare nearly 34 acres of land to accommodate additional cargo laydown and reconstruct the existing surface of Pier 1. The combined investments will help the existing automobile importing and processing businesses, the governor said.
Davisville is the state’s only public port, and supports nearly 1,700 direct jobs. It is one of the top 10 auto importers in North American and berths hundreds of ships each year.
“The Port of Davisville is one of Rhode Island’s top economic assets,” said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. “The newest expansion of Pier 2 will create more jobs and allow more imports for decades to come. We are grateful to Steve King and the Quonset team’s dedicated work that positions Rhode Island to be a leader in wind energy.”