McKee highlights infrastructure upgrades at Quonset’s Port of Davisville

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — Gov. Dan McKee joined local leaders Thursday to tour the ongoing construction at Quonset’s Port of Davisville.

McKee and the General Assembly allocated $60 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds in 2022 to promote the port’s evolution as a hub for the offshore-wind industry.

The World War II-era pier is being revitalized as a part of Quonset’s $234.5 million Port of Davisville Master Plan.

The plan includes replacing thousands of 80-year-old wooden supports with new concreate and steel ones.

“The Port of Davisville is a jewel in the state of Rhode Island’s economy. I was encouraged to see our ARPA funds at work today, modernizing Pier 1 at the Port of Davisville,” McKee said. “I am confident that our continued investment at Davisville will keep Rhode Island moving forward by upgrading the resources we already have in place.”

The upgraded infrastructure included in the master plan will allow Davisville to remain one of the top 10 auto-importers in North America, while expanding opportunities for offshore wind, officials said.

Funders of the project said the Port of Davisville supports nearly 1,700 jobs, $98.9 million in household earnings for Rhode Island families and $374.3 million in business output every year, as well as generating tens of millions of state tax revenue.

The project also aims to extend the pier’s life by another 50 years.