Officials break ground on Marine Operation Center

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — The National Oceanic an Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) broke ground on their Marine Operation Center today.

The ceremony was held at 11 a.m. with Senator Jack Reed, who helped secure the funding for the project, along with NOAA representatives and U.S. Secretary of Commerce and former Governor Gina Raimondo.

NOAA and Reed announced last year that they would be relocating the facility to Newport. The site will be used to coordinate ships, and serve as a port for research vessels.

Skanska, one of the largest construction companies in the world, was awarded nearly $150 million to construct the facility; which will feature a pier, floating dock, a warehouse, and space for ship repairs.

Reed’s office said the center will offer 200 jobs once it opens in 2027.