2023 -- H 6405

========

LC002968

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

____________

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $22,775,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND AIRPORT

CORPORATION FOR REPAIRS TO THE PIER AT 1390 ROGER WILLIAMS WAY, NORTH

KINGSTOWN, RI 02852 (THE FORMER AIRCRAFT CARRIER PIER)

     Introduced By: Representatives Casimiro, Craven, and Casey

     Date Introduced: May 12, 2023

     Referred To: House Finance

     WHEREAS, Investment in infrastructure upgrades at the port of Davisville play a key

role in Rhode Island’s future economic success as a leader in the growing “blue economy” and

offshore wind industry throughout the Northeast; and

     WHEREAS, The Port of Davisville supports nearly 1,700 jobs, $98.9 million in

household earnings for Rhode Island families and $374.3 million in business output annually. The

Port also generates $45.5 million in total state tax revenue as well as $10.5 million in local taxes;

and

     WHEREAS, In 2022, Rhode Island continued upgrades at Quonset’s Port of Davisville

with the modernization of Pier 2 to accommodate larger vessels in order to continue to grow the

capacity for its auto import success and in preparation for future wind energy projects; and

     WHEREAS, An essential component to the Port’s future must also include the ability to

perform and accommodate the necessary repairs and maintenance on vessels supporting these

growing industries; and

     WHEREAS, Senesco Marine, founded in 1999, employees 60 full-time and 90 sub-

contractor positions “committed to on-time delivery, unmatched quality, and workmanship

backed by highly skilled and trained shipbuilders” and is the largest and most capable fabrication

and repair facility in the Northeast; and

     WHEREAS, The current Pier at Senesco Marine, located at 1390 Roger Williams Way,

North Kingstown, RI 02852 requires reconstruction and upgrades including piles, concrete caps,

precast concrete deck planks, precast installation, pouring of a deck slab and fender system with

an estimated cost of $22,775,000 to complete the project; and

     WHEREAS, These repairs would extend the life of the pier for an estimated 5-20 years,

create 100-120 construction jobs for the project, and will bring over 300 jobs into the port over

the next 2-30 years with the increase in Offshore Wind vessels; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not

otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2023-2024, the sum of twenty-two million seven

hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($22,775,000) to the Rhode Island Airport Corporation for

reconstruction and upgrades to the pier at 1390 Roger Williams Way, North Kingstown, RI

02852; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his orders upon the

general treasurer for the payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time

required, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers.

========

LC002968

========

LC002968 - Page 2 of 3

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $22,775,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND AIRPORT

CORPORATION FOR REPAIRS TO THE PIER AT 1390 ROGER WILLIAMS WAY, NORTH

KINGSTOWN, RI 02852 (THE FORMER AIRCRAFT CARRIER PIER)

***

     This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $22,775,000 to the

Rhode Island Airport Corporation for reconstruction and upgrades to the pier at 1390 Roger

Williams Way, North Kingstown, RI 02852.

========

LC002968

========

LC002968 - Page 3 of 3