Responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in total economic impact, supplying the region’s energy, providing hundreds of good paying blue collar jobs, and thousands more related jobs, the Port of Providence is a vital regional economic resource.

Unfortunately, the City of Providence is currently considering zoning changes that would allow for mixed uses like residential condos, hotels, and marinas that are incompatible with the normal functioning of a vibrant working waterfront.

This gentrification of Providence’s working waterfront is extremely shortsighted. While condos, hotels, and marinas may increase the city’s property tax revenues, they will come at the expense of existing successful taxpaying businesses, good blue collar jobs, and a regional economic resource that will never be rebuilt. The costs to the region could be immense, as thousands of port-related jobs could be lost and heating and energy costs would increase due to the expense of transporting these resources from other ports.

That’s why the Providence Working Waterfront Alliance has come together to educate officials and the public about the critical role of Providence’s working waterfront. Alliance members believe that the Port of Providence is a vital regional economic resource that must be protected from incompatible uses.

Please use this website to find out more about the economic impact and proud history of Providence’s working waterfront.