Rhode Islanders show big support for URI and RIC

KINGSTON, R.I. — Thanks to the support of thousands of voters, Question 2, calling for the issuance of bonds for higher education support, has been approved. The bond won approval with more than 55 percent of the vote in Tuesday's election, representing 30 of 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island.

Passage of the referendum provides $78 million in general obligation bonds to finance a new Center for Chemical and Forensic Sciences at the University of Rhode Island ($61 million) and the renovation of and an addition to the Rhode Island College Art Center ($17 million).

"The chemistry department is pleased and grateful to the voters of Rhode Island for supporting the passage of Question 2 to allow construction of a new Center for Chemical and Forensic Sciences at URI," Bill Euler, professor and chairman of URI's Department of Chemistry said. "The new facility will allow the university to go forward in providing state-of-the-art training for more students in disciplines essential to the 21st century economy in Rhode Island."

"This was a big victory, and it had a big, energetic and enthusiastic team of supporters — from alumni, to students, faculty, staff, to coalitions of business and labor. All were behind the campaign to inform the public of the need for this new Center for Chemical and Forensic Sciences," said Robert M. Beagle, vice president of the Division of University Advancement.

Over a five-year period, the building projects are expected to create about 1,200 jobs in the construction trades, engineering, management, teaching and research. When completed, the new chemistry center should allow faculty to compete more effectively for research grants, and move scientific discoveries into the marketplace more rapidly. As Rhode Island seeks to generate business and jobs, an educated workforce in these disciplines is vital.

"We are also deeply appreciative for the many organizations around the state who got behind this referendum with their financial support, their endorsements and their time," Beagle added. "It is refreshing to see how many Rhode Islanders believe in their university and our role as an important ingredient in the state's economic development."

The new center at URI also will provide the resources needed by one of the nation's key resources for research and training in the battle against terrorism — the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Center of Excellence in Explosives Detection, Mitigation and Response.