Today’s Providence Journal features an editorial touting the tremendous output created by our nation’s ports and working waterfronts. According to an economic impact study conducted by Martin Associates for the American Association of Port Authorities, U.S. port-sector activities are responsible for 8.4 million American jobs and nearly $2 trillion in economic output. With ports serving as a huge and growing economic engine, the Journal notes the danger of losing Providence’s working waterfront to condos and other uses, that while pretty, don’t generate good paying jobs and sustained economic growth:

What the state needs on the economic-development front is forceful leadership. Right now, even Providence’s waterfront on Allens Avenue is in danger of being gobbled up for high-priced condos, bars and restaurants — development that would do little to create good long-term jobs and economic growth. A few rich people and a lot of people on minimum wage.

http://www.projo.com/opinion/editorials/content/ED_ports28_09-28-07_4775JDL.2954bd3.html