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News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade St., Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
 

*NOTE TO EDITORS: THIS IS AN EXTREMELY PHOTOGENIC SHOOT

FOR AP AND METRO NEWS DAYBOOKS:

Date:

Thursday, October 19

Time:

11 a.m.

Location:

Fort Wetherill, Jamestown*

Event:

Groundbreaking for DEM’s first-class Aquatic Research Facility, which will be housed in historic fortifications whose character will be maintained

Contact:

Sally Spadaro 222-4700 ext. 2426
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

CONSTRUCTION OF DEM’S AQUATIC RESEARCH CENTER AT FORT WETHERILL TO START ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19

PROVIDENCE – Construction will begin Thursday, October 19 on the Department of Environmental Management’s long-planned aquatic research center at Fort Wetherill in Jamestown.

Historic fortifications at the site are central to the design plans, but are in a severe state of disrepair. DEM’s plans call for complete restoration of three existing military buildings to protect the military integrity of the site. The new facilities, including saltwater laboratories, will allow DEM’s marine biologists to conduct research and address issues specific to Rhode Island fish and shellfish management and will assist in advancing sustainable fishing goals and programs for decades to come.

The Fort Wetherill site has been significant since colonists first used it for defense of Narragansett Bay during the Revolutionary War. With its magnificent overlook, it has been used for defense purposes when necessary up to and through the Second World War.

*Directions from Providence: Route 95 South to Route 4 Route to Route 1 South, to Route 138 East over Jamestown Bridge to Canonicus Avenue, to Walcott Avenue to Fort Wetherill Road.
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