The Rhode Island General Assembly’s Port Development Commission has issued an interim report which notes:

Historically, Rhode Island was a leading maritime and trading center for the nation but over the past 5 or more decades, the State has fallen well behind others along the Atlantic coast. Despite a few bright spots and successes, many of the jobs and numerous other economic advantages and benefits associated with trade and maritime transportation have gravitated elsewhere. Yet the State’s geographic location, its coastal water resources and its land transportation connections and assets should enable Rhode Island both to resume its proper place in waterborne transportation and to regain the attendant economic and environmental benefits.

Several Providence Working Waterfront Alliance members including Providence Steamboat, Sprague Energy, and Promet Marine have testified before the commission, and we look forward to continuing to work with the commission to bring increased economic development opportunities to our ports and working waterfronts.