State of Rhode Island Receives Stimulus Grant to Improve Quonset Port

Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) was awarded a $22.3 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

One out of 45 recipients of this grant, QDC will use the monetary support to further wind energy manufacturing and logistical operations and improve marine highway infrastructure at the Quonset Business Park. According to officials, the grant will boost efforts to potentially make Quonset the nation's hub in renewable energy and offshore wind industries. The state's goal of 20 percent of energy use from renewable sources by 2020 may be realized.

Deepwater Wind, who is actively planning two Rhode Island wind projects, will benefit from the grant and use it to expedite improvements to infrastructure. The Block Island Wind Farm with 8 wind turbines located three miles off the coast of Block Island is on target to become the nation's first offshore wind farm. Along with Deepwater's second project, Rhode Island Offshore Wind Farm, together they are expected to produce 15 percent of the state's electricity needs.

Grant money will also serve to improve infrastructure to the Port of Davisville piers and terminals in the Business Park. Other projects include building crane platforms and purchasing a crane suitable to load and off load windmill components. The additions and improvements will also enable Quonset to take advantage of short sea shipping and participate in the U.S. Maritime Administration Marine Highway Northeast Corridor. These additions and improvements will also provide over 500 jobs and upon the completion of each project, will increase the number of green jobs in Rhode Island, which has been a focus for the RIEDC.