Issue Paper: Maritime Development

MARITIME DEVELOPMENT

Maritime development at Quonset Point would generate many high paying direct and indirect jobs.  The pro-active maritime development at Quonset Point would diversify Rhode Island’s growing economy and create jobs that any citizen with a high school diploma or general equivalency degree could obtain.

A rejuvenated port at Quonset would help stem the hemorrhaging of manufacturing jobs from Rhode Island, and make many of Rhode Island’s businesses more competitive in the global marketplace.

A significant amount of our affiliates would stand to gain new members and prosper economically from the prospects of increased maritime development. 

The Rhode Island AFL-CIO supports the creation of a Maritime Trade Development Authority to oversee the operations of all ports within the boundaries of the State of Rhode Island.  A Maritime Trade Development Authority could help to protect, expand, enhance, and promote existing ports throughout the Ocean State.

The Rhode Island AFL-CIO believes that maritime development at the Quonset Point Industrial Park can be done in an environmentally responsible manner, and would be supportive of an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) which would provide a detailed analysis environmentally, esthetically, and economically while insuring public participation throughout the process.

AFL-CIO POSITION

The Rhode Island AFL-CIO supports a strategic plan for maritime development at Quonset Point Industrial Park, creation of a Maritime Trade Development Authority, and maritime development at all existing ports that would create significant economic growth and substantive job opportunities for all working families.