Officials kick off Yes on 4 campaign

THE RENDERING OF the new College of Engineering campus at the University of Rhode Island; the proposed project includes the replacement of five mid-century buildings with a modern engineering campus. / COURTESY BALLINGER ASSOCIATES
THE RENDERING OF the new College of Engineering campus at the University of Rhode Island; the proposed project includes the replacement of five mid-century buildings with a modern engineering campus. / COURTESY BALLINGER ASSOCIATES

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – State and University of Rhode Island officials launched a public campaign Wednesday to encourage voters to approve $45.5 million in bonds to improve engineering education and facilities, and establish a university-affiliated innovation center.
The request, presented as Question 4 on the Nov. 8 ballot, would direct $25.5 million to expand the College of Engineering at URI.
In comments, President David M. Dooley said the university’s engineering programs are a “shining example of how investing in high-tech programs can lead to the high-paying, high-skilled jobs Rhode Island needs.”
More than 96 percent of the university’s engineering students were employed at graduation, with a salary of $63,000, he said.
The $20 million portion of the bonds that would go to the innovation center would require an affiliation with URI. The innovation center would involve partnerships with businesses and industry in a physical space, where they could conduct world-class, cutting edge research, according to officials.
Attending the Vote Yes on 4 launch were Gov. Gina M. Raimondo, Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed and URI College of Engineering Dean Raymond M. Wright.

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