NORTH KINGSTON – When the naval base at Quonset Point closed in the 1970s, it dealt a body blow to Rhode Island’s economy that would be felt for years to come.
But when the federal government transferred Quonset Naval Air Station and the adjacent Davisville Naval Construction Battalion Center (which closed after nearly 20 years) to the state, Rhode Island leaders were left with the surplus left behind by the Navy. We envisioned an industrial park that could absorb a portion of the area. .
Much of the infrastructure, such as railroads, dock facilities, and an airport, was already in place, but the state poured millions of dollars into the development of the Quonset Business Park. Today, this business park is home to one of the world’s leading nuclear submarine construction companies and is one of the most vibrant. Domestic car import port.
Below are some numbers that describe the status of the industrial park, which is currently operated by the Quonset Development Corporation, a state agency that is a subsidiary of the state economic development agency, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation.
industrial park
Located about 20 miles south of Providence by road, the Quonset Business Park sits on 3,198 acres, including 1,446 acres for business development, 130 of which are unrestricted.
people
As of July 2024, over 14,379 full-time and part-time jobs available at over 239 companies in Quonset. North Atlantic Distribution (NORAD), automobile importer. Toray Plastics (USA); Ørsted is an offshore wind energy company with regional operations and maintenance base in Quonset.
The average annual wage for someone working in an industrial park is $69,656.
plane
Quonset State Airport operates under the auspices of the Rhode Island Airports Corporation, a state agency that is also a subsidiary of the Commerce Corporation, and is home to the Rhode Island Air National Guard. The airport is located 18.3 feet above sea level and has a 7,504-foot main runway and a 4,000-foot crosswind runway.
train
Last year, 7,513 rail cars operated the industrial park’s 30.2 km freight rail line.
car
When it comes to Quonset, the car can be viewed in two ways.
First, the industrial park has 20 miles of driveways, plus 3.3 miles of paved bike paths for those looking for an alternative to a car.
But more economically important, the Port of Davisville, located in the industrial park, is one of the nation’s top 10 auto importers. In 2023, 239,761 cars were imported through the port and an additional 10,731 used cars were shipped.
boat
The Port of Davisville has five terminals with 4,500 feet of berthing space, including three active roll-on/roll-off berths, and 235 acres of operating capacity.
In 2023, 260 ships called at Davisville.
The port is also home to the Rhode Island Fast Ferry Terminal, which provides service to Martha’s Vineyard.
