opinion

Was the R.I. EDC board right to grant Toray Plastics $1 million to build a solar energy array at its Quonset facility?

Yes, it will help hold down electricity costs and help convince it to invest more in Rhode Island 57% | 123 votes
No, that money should be spent on energy projects that benefit all 30% | 64 votes
I don't know 13% | 29 votes
Posted 8/29/11

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Mister_Smithers

It will hold down Toray's electric costs...not so clear how it holds down electric costs for regular folks in the state. RI is now in position of having to pay strong companies to stay in the state. Unfortunate, but those are the new rules. So how much will other big companies ask for? I can think of several companies who could ask for the same $1M.

Monday, August 29, 2011 | Report this
tahern@ripuc.state.ri.us

this is "lets make a deal"economic development-put electric policy in place that attracts all types of ecomonic development--such as lowering the back-up charges for big companies--who gets the taxpayer and ratepayer money next-CVS? Amgen?

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 | Report this
Mister_Smithers

I don't believe large RI companies should get grants paid by taxpayer dollars, unless those grants are actually loans of some type which must be repaid in terms of a set number of guaranteed near-term jobs. If they fail to hire many additional RIers at good salaries by a set date, then the company should be expected to return the $1M.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 | Report this
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