2023 -- H 6482

========

LC003128

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

____________

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

CELEBRATING JUNE 6, 2023, AS "QUONSET DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Casimiro, Craven, Shekarchi, Blazejewski,
Chippendale, Tanzi, Fellela, Shallcross Smith, Ajello, and Cortvriend

     Date Introduced: June 06, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Created in 2004 by the General Assembly and effective in January of 2005,

the Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) is a quasi-state agency governed by an 11 member

Board of Directors and charged with the mission to develop and manage the Quonset Business

Park (QBP) “in accordance with the QDC Master Land Use and Development Plan and in the

best interests of the citizens of Rhode Island in order to attract and retain successful businesses

that provide diversified jobs”; and

     WHEREAS, In 2005, as QDC assumed its new role at the Business Park, Steven J. King,

P.E. was named Chief Operating Officer of the Development Corporation, and in 2008, rose to

the position of Chief Executive and Managing Director. A distinguished graduate of the

University of the Rhode Island and a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, Mr. King’s deep

knowledge and background in real estate development, planning, engineering and construction, as

well as public works administration, civil engineering and site planning has been a driving force

behind the success of Quonset; and

     WHEREAS, Since the creation of the QDC in 2005, the Quonset Business Park has

increased its developed area by 626 acres, adding 4.3 million square feet of new facilities, and

attracting new investment by the private sector totaling more than $1.85 billion; and

     WHEREAS, As southern New England’s premiere business park and leading economic

engine for the State, as of 2022, QBP hosts 13,033 jobs including, 7,680 high-paying

manufacturing jobs, 1,178 Rhode Island Air and Army National Guard personnel, while

generating an additional 11,281 indirect and induced employment opportunities throughout the

State, which amounts to 24,681 equivalent jobs, a staggering 5 percent of all employment in

Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, tax revenues from the QBP were $169.1 million in 2022, which

have greatly contributed to the local, state and federal levels overall fiscal well-being; and

     WHEREAS, Wages at the QBP are 10% higher than the average in Rhode Island,

generating $1.7 billion in household income for Rhode Island families: and

     WHEREAS, The future benefits from the QBP’s continuing development is also looking

bright, with 82.2 acres currently being negotiated for usage and 156.9 acres of highly-valued,

developable land yet to be utilized but which is estimated to boost the Park to $2.1 billion in labor

income for RI households by 2030; and

     WHEREAS, The Quonset Development Corporation and the Quonset Business Park have

provided countless families with security, strengthened our state’s economy, and are working to

provide a brighter tomorrow for future generations of Rhode Islanders; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

proclaims June 6th of 2023, to be “Quonset Day” and commends their efforts to ensure a secure

and prosperous future for all Rhode Islanders; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Steven J. King, P.E., Managing Director,

Quonset Development Corporation.

========

LC003128

========

LC003128 - Page 2 of 2