USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc.

(WARWICK, RI) - Congressman Bob Weygand today lauded the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation's conditional approval to grant a final berthing place for the decommissioned USS Saratoga at Quonset Point. Weygand has been working with Frank Lennon of the USS Saratoga Foundation since the inception of the plan.

"This was the answer we were hoping and waiting for," Congressman Weygand said. "Now, the Saratoga is one step closer to becoming the centerpiece of the envisioned Air, Land and Sea center that we have all hoped and dreamed about. I would like to applaud the decision by the EDC board on granting approval for yet another tourist and education resource in Rhode Island."

"The Saratoga project is grateful to Congressman Weygand for his strong and unwavering support from the early days of this effort," Frank Lennon, President of the USS Saratoga Museum Foundation said. "His support set the example for many others in our grassroots coalition, and today's ratification by the EDC Board sends a strong and positive message that ordinary people with a good idea and the tenacity to see it through can still make things happen in Rhode Island."

Weygand has appealed to both Governor Almond and John Swen. Appealing to Almond, Weygand stated: "The impact that this proposal will have on the tourism industry in our state should be very positive. Tourism is recognized as our second largest industry and the Town of North Kingstown, the South County Tourism Council and the State of Rhode Island will all benefit from the attraction such a complex will provide. The USS Saratoga, along with the Quonset Air Museum and the proposed Seabee museum will provide us with an outstanding attraction and a much needed 'destination' to entertain and expand the number of visitors we are able to attract year round."

Weygand also appealed to EDC Director John Swen as well as the EDC Board stating: "The economic opportunities that will be available to our established business base will be greatly expanded. Products and services needed to maintain the Saratoga and the entire park can all be provided by local businesses. The employment opportunities that will be generated by this project, both full and part time, are many and diverse. These jobs will provide a scope of opportunities not now readily available to Rhode Islanders."

In June, Weygand led a tour of the Saratoga, which is presently sitting in Coddington Cove in Newport. The Saratoga, when transformed into a museum, will serve as a living laboratory for school children throughout Rhode Island, and other states. In addition to the vocational and educational possibilities, children will learn about the U.S. involvement in our past military campaigns and those that served on Sara's mighty decks.

The USS Saratoga has received a number of endorsements from groups such as: the Town Councils of North Kingstown, Providence, Warwick, Glocester, Cumberland, and Richmond and scores of veterans organizations.

"After months and months of hard work, we can all look forward to a future addition to the quality of tourism and education here in Rhode Island," Weygand added.

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Last Updated:
9/29/01