Economic Impact Forum on the Five Statewide Bond Questions Features Noted Speakers

NEWPORT, RI (November 1, 2016) – The Newport County Chamber of Commerce and Roger Williams University are holding a public forum on Wednesday, November 2nd on the economic impact of the five bond questions.

Dr. Donald J. Farish, President of Roger Williams University, will provide welcoming remarks, and the forum will be moderated by Edward Fitzpatrick, Director of Media and Public Relations for Roger Williams University. Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea also will speak about how to find more information about ballot items and how to find polling places.

Dr. David M. Dooley, President of the University of Rhode Island, will discuss Ballot Question 4, which would issue $45.5 million in general obligation bonds to invest in higher education related projects at the University of Rhode Island, specifically $25.5 million to the URI School of Engineering and $20 million to the URI Affiliated Innovation Campus.

Gavin R. Black, President of the R.I. Ports Coalition and in-house counsel for Moran Transportation Industries, will address Ballot Question 5, which would issue $70 million in general obligation bonds to fund port infrastructure projects, including $50 million to the Quonset/Davisville Port and $20 million to the Port of Providence.

Scott Wolf, Executive Director of Grow Smart Rhode Island, will speak about Ballot Question 6, which would issue $35 million in general obligation bonds for environmental and recreational purposes.

Barbara Fields, Executive Director of Rhode Island Housing, and Anthony Maione, President & CEO of the United Way of Rhode Island, will discuss Ballot Question 7, which supports issuing $50 million in general obligation bonds to fund affordable housing and urban revitalization.

Ballot Question 3 also will be discussed by Kasim J. Yarn, the first Director of Veterans Affairs for the State of Rhode Island. This bond would issue $27 million in general obligation bonds to construct a new Veterans Home and maintain existing facilities.

The economic impact forum will be held on Wednesday, from 6 pm – 8 pm, at the Roger Williams University’s School of Law Building (Moot Courtroom, Law 283 2nd floor Atrium; One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI). To sign up, visit www.newportchamber.com/events.

ABOUT THE NEWPORT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Newport County Chamber of Commerce is one of the state’s largest business advocacy organizations. With over 1,100 members representing over 50,000 employees, the Newport County Chamber’s goal is to find solutions for quality jobs, quality growth and quality of life. As a trusted and reliable source of information for nearly 100 years, the Newport County Chamber connects members with success while encouraging the development of the community.

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