Quonset Business Park continues to drive economic growth and job creation in Rhode Island, and the success of Quonset’s 200 commercial tenants is a testament to that growth. J. Goodison Co., a full-service marine and industrial maintenance and repair company recently celebrated an exciting milestone at their growing shipyard on the Quonset waterfront.

In 2017, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Division (MARAD) granted J. Goodison with $635,453 in federal funding though the Small Shipyard Grant Program. With this grant, they were able to purchase a wastewater collection and treatment system for the shipyard at Quonset. This new system helps the shipyard to operate in a more efficient, environmentally friendly way. 

The initial development of the shipyard was the result of a team effort between several public, private and non-profit entities. The shipyard has created a demand for additional skilled jobs and has benefits to the surrounding community in the form of added demand for services, materials and supplies. The continued growth of J. Goodison Co. is evidence of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors come together with a shared purpose. 

Just last month, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) toured the facility along with Jack Goodison, MARAD Administrator Admiral Mark Buzby, and Marcia Blount, president of Blount Boats, who also received funding through the grant program. They were able to view the shipyard’s impressive marine travel lift, the largest in the Northeast, and the new wastewater treatment system. 

At the same time, Sen. Reed delivered the exciting news that the Port of Davisville had been selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation as part of a new maritime highway initiative. The Port of Davisville will join the ports of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Newark, N.J. on the highway.

Admiral Buzby cited Rhode Island’s access and proximity to major waterways as a leading factor in his team’s decision to select Davisville. 

“It will take a lot of excess traffic off highways, reduce the wear and tear on I-95 and will reduce pollution that occurs from all the emissions. That cargo can now be transferred onto a single tug and barge to move containers back and forth,” Buzby said. 

Senator Reed touted the continued maritime development in Rhode Island, “All these programs together give our small shipyards the competitive edge they need to keep America in the front of building and maintaining maritime vessels, and also importantly, making sure that we have good jobs for people with good skills so they can support their families,” said Sen. Reed. 

This latest development for Goodison Shipyard is a milestone achievement for Quonset Business Park and Rhode Island. Thanks to the continued efforts of Sen. Reed, J. Goodison Co. will continue to invest in their shipyard, expanding Quonset’s capacity to create jobs and drive Rhode Island’s economy forward.  

Steven King, PE, is the managing director of the Quonset Development Corp., North Kingstown, R.I.