April 22, 2008

Media Advisory:

Senators Reed and Whitehouse Help International Yacht Restoration School Shore Up Working Waterfront and Job Training
 

NEWPORT, RI — On Monday, April 28, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) will visit the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) to announce new federal funding they secured to strengthen Rhode Island’s marine heritage and revitalize Newport’s working waterfront.  This money will help increase the pool of skilled workers for the state’s marine industry and provide greater access to vocational training and sustainable careers. 
 
Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Whitehouse secured over half a million dollars in the fiscal year 2008 appropriations spending bill to support the restoration of the school's 1831 Aquidneck Mill Building, a previously derelict landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. 
 
The restoration will enable IYRS to expand its facilities for vocational training for the marine industry, an important business in the state that accounts for $1.6 billion in sales. This statewide industry currently provides over 6,600 jobs, but there is a 10% job vacancy rate. The marine workforce will need to grow by some 36% over the next five to ten years to meet the current and anticipated demand for skilled workers.

Speakers will discuss the revitalization of this waterfront area on Lower Thames Street, which will also attract new businesses to the neighborhood.

WHEN:
Monday, April 28 / 10:15 AM

WHERE:
International Yacht Restoration School
449 Thames Street, Newport, RI

WHAT:
Press conference to discuss new federal aid to develop Newport’s working waterfront
 
SPEAKERS:
- United States Senator Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island)
- United States Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island)
- Keith Stokes, Executive Director, Newport County Chamber of Commerce
- Terry Nathan, President, International Yacht Restoration School

FOR INFORMATION ON IYRS:
www.iyrs.org

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Susan Daly (401-848-5777, ext 220 / sdaly@iyrs.org)
Cynthia Goss (203-453-2731 / media@iyrs.org)