New commercial fishing pier opens in Port of Galilee

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WLNE) — The fishing industry is seeing progress towards a promising future.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee announced a major contribution to a newly completed commercial fishing pier in the Port of Galilee on Tuesday.

“The fishing industry is an important part of our economy,” McKee said.

According to the Governor, Rhode Island is ranked fourth in terms of fishing value on the East Coast and 18th in the country.

According to Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management, Galilee is the home port of 240 fishing vessels and crews.

Officials said docks and piers see a lot of wear and tear over time.

“The structure had not been touched for decades,” McKee added. “DEM leadership convinced me on a budget cycle to put $46 million in to restore the infrastructure here.”

The governor said federal dollars were used to create jobs for people as the pier was built, creating a promising future for business owners like at Narragansett Crab Company.

“This is a billion-dollar industry in Rhode Island so let’s keep this going,” one advocate at the ribbon cutting said. “We have to do what we can to help the fishermen.”

The goal is that these investments will ensure the Port of Galilee remains a vibrant working waterfront for commercial fishers.