URI seeking voter support for College of Engineering project

THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND is kicking off a campaign to raise support for a bond issue on the November ballot that would provide $125 million to rebuild its College of Engineering, shown above as an artist's rendering. / COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND is kicking off a campaign to raise support for a bond issue on the November ballot that would provide $125 million to rebuild its College of Engineering, shown above as an artist's rendering. / COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

NORTH KINGSTOWN – The University of Rhode Island is kicking off a campaign Monday at Toray Plastics to raise support for a bond issue on the November ballot that would provide $125 million to rebuild its College of Engineering.
A yes vote for Question 4 on the Nov. 4 ballot on Election Day would authorize the state to bond up to $125 million to construct a new College of Engineering building and complete supporting renovations. According to details from the Secretary of State’s office, the new building would anchor the northwest corner of the engineering quadrangle on campus.
State-of-the-art facilities would replace outdated buildings, which would be demolished. The buildings to be razed are more than 50 years old, according to the website www.engineering4ri.com, which provides information and endorsements.
“This $125 million investment in higher education facilities will provide exponential returns to Rhode Island’s economy-from an expanded workforce of highly trained, well-paid knowledge economy workers, to the creation of new industries and products,” the university said recently in an email to friends and supporters of the project.
According to the email, more than 90 percent of URI’s 2013 engineering class of students were employed or in graduate school six months after graduation. The new facilities will help stem “brain drain” by attracting students to the school and to Rhode Island, the email states. In addition, if the bond is approved by the voters, the project is expected to generate nearly 1,500 construction and professional service jobs for the region during the three-year construction period, said Linda A. Acciardo, URI’s interim executive director of communications and community relations.
The site also lists endorsements, including support from 22 corporate partners. Also supporting the initiative are the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council, the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association and the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance.
The campaign programming starts at 10 a.m.
Toray Plastics (America) Inc. is in the Quonset Business Park, 50 Belver Ave., North Kingstown.

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