Fact Sheet Providence’s working waterfront is a key economic resource for Rhode Island and greater southern New England. Responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in total economic impact for the region. Over 2,000 ships per year use the port to offload salt, cement, asphalt, and petroleum products, and load up with recycled metal for export to international markets. Over 9 million tons of cargo move through the port every year. One of the top 50 ports in the United States. Recently completed $65 million 40-foot deep water channel dredging project specifically undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to meet growing regional demand for shipping services. Providence’s working waterfront is responsible for thousands of jobs. Hundreds of direct employment jobs. Thousands of multiplier jobs (tradesmen, truck drivers, service technicians, etc.). One of the few remaining sources of well paid blue-collar jobs in Rhode Island. Port-sector workers earn, on average, about $50,000. Providence’s working waterfront is the main source of heating oil for Rhode Island, Southeast Connecticut, and Central and Southeast Massachusetts. Port fuel terminals supply virtually all of the heating oil for Rhode Island, Worcester County, Cape Cod and the islands, and eastern Connecticut households and businesses. There are more than 450,000 oil heat customers in Rhode Island alone. Port provides Rhode Island’s only source of residual heavy fuel oil for hospitals, universities, commercial buildings, state and municipal buildings, and utilities. Providence’s working waterfront has a long and proud history that has shaped the city and the state. Providence harbor has been a center of shipping and commerce for more than 150 years. Several working waterfront companies have continually operated here for more than 100 years. The character of this neighborhood is a working waterfront. There are no relocation alternatives for Providence’s deep-water port dependent facilities. Most working waterfront companies must have access to Providence’s 40-foot deep-water port channel to operate. There is no developable space available at ProvPort or Fields Point to relocate these companies to. The state has indicated that it does not want heavy industrial use at Quonset and there is no deep water channel access. Relocating these companies and rebuilding the infrastructure they need to operate will costs tens of millions of dollars and take years to obtain the necessary state and federal environmental permits. Many proposed mixed uses for the area are incompatible with a working waterfront. Recreational boating from proposed marinas would directly interfere with heavy ship traffic in the port. Condo residents and hotel guests likely to complain about loud noises and industrial activity produced by typical working waterfront operations. Home Providence’s Working Waterfront Economic Impact History Fact Sheet Zoning Issues Working Waterfront Blog News About Us Contact © 2007 Providence Working Waterfront Alliance.