Senator Jack Reed Announces Federal Funding for IYRS Job Training Program

“This is a notable occasion,” U.S. Senator Jack Reed said on a rainy morning at the Bristol campus of IYRS, and the Executive Director of the R.I. Economic Development Council Keith Stokes and IYRS President Terry Nathan agreed. The announcement of a job training program in new composites technology at IYRS may well augur a bright future for Rhode Island’s industries.

Senator Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, officially announcing federal funding for the program, has secured half a million dollars in the fiscal year 2010 appropriations spending bill to help establish a program that will train skilled technicians and innovators for industries that are central to the state's future economic development.

Terry Nathan, Mayor Jeanne Napolitano, and Senator Jack Reed

The senator was joined by marine industry leaders and state and local dignitaries at the announcement, including Newport Mayor Jeanne Napolitano; Evan Smith, President of NCCVB; State Senator Charles Levesque; and Clark Poston and Susan Daly of IYRS, which took place at IYRS’ Bristol campus where the composites training program will be implemented in September. Composites, basically new structural materials, are “the wave of the future,” the Senator said.

The Senator announcing the grant

“The boating industry employs thousands of Rhode Islanders, and we have an opportunity to help businesses grow and create more jobs right here in the state. This federal funding will help train more marine workers and give them hands-on experience, not just in building boats, but in working with new, green technology. Investing in this program will help us build a more competitive workforce and fuel future economic growth,” said Senator Reed.

“Workforce development is a key component to re-energizing Rhode Island’s economy,” said Keith Stokes. “We have one clear asset: Narragansett Bay.” He also spoke on important new wind technologies under development and implementation at Quonset Point.

IYRS's Terry Nathan welcoming dignitaries

Mr. Nathan reported on IYRS’ first federal grant project, the restoration of the IYRS Mill Building on Newport’s Thames Street, which opened last spring. “It is now 80% occupied, with 40 new jobs, and houses nine companies,” eliciting spontaneous applause.

(For coverage, go to

www.newportseen.com/archived-news/travel-and-under-sail/)

For more information about IYRS and its Composites Technology Program, visit www.iyrs.org.