Quonset gets $6 million for upgrades

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) -- Quonset Point is getting a multi-million-dollar upgrade to repair lingering damage from Tropical Storm Irene and protect the industrial port from future disasters.

On Monday, Rhode Island's Congressional delegation announced six million dollars in federal funding for the Quonset Development Corporation and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation.

The money will be used to reconstruct the Zarbo Avenue Bulkhead, which protects waterfront businesses from storm surges.

The bulkhead was significantly damaged during Tropical Storm Irene last year, making it vulnerable to fail during future storms.

With the federal funding, the bulkhead will be rebuilt one-to-two feet taller than the original structure to better protect existing businesses, and encourage additional industrial development along the waterfront.

According to a news release from the officer of Senator Jack Reed, the Quonset Development Corporation estimated the project will protect 80 existing jobs and create 32 new jobs.