Providence Journal, Rhode Island Trades and Professional Organizations Urge Support of Question 2

$70 Million bond issue will support facility enhancements at URI’s Narragansett Bay Campus and at Rhode Island College

KINGSTON, RHODE ISLAND—Oct. 31, 2018— With a vote scheduled to take place on the November 6 ballot, Rhode Island trade and professional organizations, as well as a number of non-profits and others, are demonstrating their support for the passage of Question 2, which will enhance both the future of teacher education at Rhode Island College, and ocean science research conducted at URI’s Bay Campus.

With the approval of the $70 million bond, Rhode Island College will undertake $25 million in critical facility improvements that will transform teacher education. Through cutting-edge space and technology enhancements, innovative approaches to cooperative and practical learning will be implemented and expanded, providing education students at RIC with the tools to become more responsive to all K-12 students, including English language learners and students with special needs.

Passage of the bond will also allow for $45 million in facility investments at the University of Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay Campus. A new Ocean Technology building, an infrastructure upgrade to the pier to accommodate a new, $125 million National Science Foundation research vessel, and other vital enhancements, will keep URI researchers on the forefront of marine science and education. These enhancements will support URI’s critical role in ocean sciences, coastal planning and the monitoring and protection of the Narragansett Bay, for the benefit of all Rhode Islanders.

The following organizations have, to date, placed their support behind the passage of Question 2:

  • The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce
  • Rhode Island Association of School Principals
  • The Providence Journal
  • Save The Bay
  • EcoRI news
  • The Valley Breeze
  • Rhode Island Association of School Committees
  • Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce
  • Newport County Chamber of Commerce
  • The Associated General Contractors of America
  • The East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
  • Southern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA)
  • Rhode Island Marine Trades Association
  • The Rhode Island AFL-CIO
  • The Providence Foundation
  • Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals
  • National Education Association of Rhode Island

For more information Question 2, visit www.voteyeson2RI.com.