Whereas the Environment Council of Rhode Island is on record as opposing previous container port proposals for Quonset Point; and
Whereas the Environment Council of Rhode Island remains opposed to the Quonset Point freeway project; and
Whereas the Quonset Point stakeholder process and its conclusions are being ignored in the present feasibility study and container port fast tracking; and
Whereas no further studies have begun or are contemplated to explore the feasibility of other development options for Quonset Point; and
Whereas there is strong opposition from local community, business and environmental leaders to fast track the container port; and
Whereas the prospect of major dredging in Narragansett Bay without providing reliable cost estimates is a part of this project; and
Whereas the likely outcome of a container port of the proposed size would tend to degrade Narragansett Bay, create sprawl, and undermine tourism, recreation, and shellfishing; and
Whereas any container port built at Quonset Point will have significant adverse impact on the entire state including but not limited to increased truck traffic; increased air emissions, train and rail capacity issues; and the inevitable degradation of Narragansett Bay;
Now therefore be it resolved that the Environment Council of Rhode Island encourages the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, the QDMC, the General Assembly, and the Governor's office to seek careful feasibility studies on other economic options for Quonset Point; and
Further be it resolved that ECRI calls upon said groups to respect the stakeholders process and principles; and
Further be it resolved that ECRI opposes the fast tracking of any container port proposal for Quonset Point.