USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc.

The Rhode Island Senate has stepped up with a $15,000 legislative grant to boost the efforts of the USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc.'s plans to establish a non-profit museum and family attraction on Narragansett Bay.

"This tangible confirmation of support from our elected officials statewide is extremely gratifying," said Foundation President Frank Lennon. "It proves that our grassroots efforts over the past three years have borne fruit, and that the majority of our elected officials are willing to listen to the voices of those who put them in office. Rhode Islanders have told their elected representatives they want this project, and these representatives are once again acknowledging receipt of that message," Lennon said.

Senator James Sheehan of North Kingstown (District 23 - D) stated, "By this action, the RI Senate is letting the people of Rhode Island know this worthwhile project is alive and well. This show of support may be just the shot in the arm the Saratoga project needs to gain back the momentum needed to turn this vision into reality."

Senators John A. Celona of North Providence (District 36 - D) and Stephen Alves of West Warwick (District 19 - D) co-sponsored the grant with Senator Sheehan.

Senator Celona stated, "I think the USS Saratoga Museum project would be a valuable asset, both historically and economically, for the people of the State of Rhode Island. It will be a wonderful hands-on history lesson for all citizens."

According to Senator Alves, "This grant is an investment in the future of Rhode Island. It will strengthen the history education of our children, enrich the culture of all our citizens, and provide an attractive venue for visitors to our state."

House Majority Whip Suzanne Henseler of North Kingstown (District 44 - D) was delighted by the Senate action. "I am glad to see that my colleagues in the General Assembly have stepped forward once again to support such a worthwhile project," Henseler said.

"This grant fulfillment is quite timely," Lennon explained. "We were sidetracked last month when the EDC board failed to extend our conditional access agreement at Quonset. This show of support reaffirms the commitment of state leaders to see that we stay on course."

The week before Christmas, Governor Almond and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation board dealt a blow to the project by failing to endorse a recommendation from the Quonset/Davisville Management Corporation board to give the Foundation another year to raise the necessary funds. The board deadlocked 5 -5, thus procedurally denying the one-year extension.

"We were encouraged that day by the support we received from four members of the General Assembly on the EDC board who voted in favor of the extension. Previously, all four legislators at the Quonset Board meeting also supported our position," Lennon pointed out. "In particular, we would like to acknowledge the unwavering support of Rep. Melvoid Benson of North Kingstown (District 45 - D) who sits on both boards. She has backed the Saratoga effort from the beginning, calling it 'a project of the people'".

"That setback at the EDC Board level re-energized our commitment to those people," said Bill Sheridan, the Saratoga Foundation's Deputy Director. "The vote totally ignored the impact of the Sept. 11 attacks and a host of other issues that affected us technically as well as in fundraising. 'Come back when you have enough money' was the relatively unsympathetic message from those who opposed the extension," Sheridan said.

"Our all-volunteer effort will continue to raise money until we have raised enough to cause the EDC Board to reconsider, or until we have a new administration that will understand the benefits of this vision to our state," he concluded.

In the spring of 2000 both chambers of the General Assembly passed resolutions of support for the plan to moor the decommissioned carrier Saratoga as the centerpiece of a non-profit Heritage and Technology Park at the old Quonset Point Naval Air Station.

According to independent studies, this nonprofit blend of past and future, family attraction and scientific frontier would:

Attract over a half million visitors annually;
Generate more than $30 million in annual economic impact;
Directly and indirectly, create more than 575 jobs;
Produce annual, direct tax revenues of more than $1.6 million.

The Park also intends to become a major educational resource for surrounding towns, the state and the region. Educational facilities and programs for all ages will be key components. A vocational school and other business development programs will create jobs, train workers and make the rest of the park more attractive for industry.

"As a social studies teacher, I can think of no better way to teach our young people about our proud history than for them to experience it for themselves," added Sen. Sheehan. "The Saratoga would afford our young people quite a unique learning opportunity indeed."

These benefits to a broad cross-section of Rhode Islanders have attracted support from a wide range of political and ideological interests. Labor unions, environmentalists, businessmen, and veterans have joined a bi-partisan, grassroots effort to see this project through.

According to Lennon, the grant sponsorship underscores the broad geographical appeal of the project. In addition to the proposed host community of North Kingstown, ten Rhode Island cities and towns have officially endorsed the Saratoga project.

Senate Minority Leader Dennis Algiere of Westerly (District 26 - R) underscored the bipartisan nature of the support, stating: "There is no doubt in my mind that the USS Saratoga project will be of great economic, educational and recreational benefit to our state."

Sen. William Walaska of Warwick (District 17 - D) added, "Not only is this project a fitting memorial to all those veterans who served on this ship and other US warships named Saratoga, but in addition it has the potential to be a true economic development engine for the State."

Sen. Michael Lenihan of East Greenwich and North Kingstown (District 22 - D), a long time supporter of the Saratoga effort, added, "This grant is strong evidence of the Senate's continuing support of the Saratoga project - support which will be sustained as long as necessary."

Other members of the General Assembly who have publicly expressed support for the Saratoga project include Senators Joseph Montalbano of North Providence (District 37 - D); Teresa Paiva-Weed of Newport (District 49 - D); Kevin Breene of West Greenwich (District 41 - R); and Representatives Bruce Long of Middletown (District 95 - R); Ken Carter of North Kingstown (District 45 - D); Elaine Coderre of Pawtucket (District 78 - D); Eileen Naughton of Warwick (District 32 - D); and William Murphy of Jamestown (District 98 - R).

"I would like to thank the Senate leadership for its unwavering support of the Saratoga project, especially Majority Leader Irons, and Senators Montalbano, Alves and Celona," Sheehan concluded.

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Last Updated:
1/31/02