Today’s Providence Journal has an editorial noting the dire condition of Rhode Island’s economy and the need to invest in and develop Quonset and the Port of Providence to help grow new jobs and our state’s economic base.

Meanwhile, it must look for other ways to expand its economic base. As we have long argued, it is extraordinarily shortsighted for the state to ignore its potential for major-port development. A more vibrant port at Quonset Point, and expanded operations in Providence, could create high-paying jobs and boost economic activity, not only at the port itself, but throughout the region, by making it cheaper for businesses to obtain raw materials, manufacture products and ship finished goods. Indeed, the current unemployment rate would be lower — perhaps a lot lower — if opponents had not blocked development of a major port at Quonset.