At its August meeting the QDMC board recommended rejection of the port proposal currently on the table. North Kingstown Representative Suzanne Henseler, House Majority Whip, suggested EDC complete its master plan for Quonset before leaping into a new port proposal. Representative Henseler has made clear, however, that her suggestion was not intended to delay other non-port projects in the pipeline. Tourism and recreation elements can coexist in a 3000 acre project with other commercial and industrial uses. In fact, NO elected official has openly opposed the idea, from Governor Almond on down.
Supporters range across a wide political spectrum.
Democratic Congressman Bob Weygand, co-chairman of our Advisory Council, has been a strong supporter from the beginning. Republican Lincoln Chafee has also written a strong letter of endorsement. Bruce Sundlun joined our two most recent Lieutenant Governors, Democrat Charles Fogarty and Republican Bernard Jackvony in endorsing the project. Our supporters include many who were unable to find common ground during the Quonset stakeholder discussions. Environmentalists such as Save the Bay have confirmed the Saratoga project is consistent with their future vision for the Bay, while labor leaders have also expressed support, recognizing our proposal is in addition to rather than instead of a port project.