Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee joined the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and local leaders for a ribbon-cutting event at the Port of Galilee in Narragansett to celebrate a newly finished commercial fishing pier. This investment ensures the port remains a strong working waterfront for commercial fishermen.

The Port of Galilee is an authentic fishing village in Narragansett, RI. “The fishing industry is an important part of our economy,” McKee told ABC. Galilee is the home port of 240 fishing vessels and crews, and officials shared that the docks and piers see a lot of wear and tear over time. Galilee is also home to many charter fishing vessels, sightseeing tours, and a year-round ferry service to Block Island and the Town of New Shoreham.

“The structure had not been touched for decades. DEM leadership convinced me on a budget cycle to put $46 million in to restore the infrastructure here.” McKee shared and proposed the capital funding investments for the project. The economic impact of this investment is substantial.

In 2022, the commercial fishing landings in Rhode Island were $100.6 million. This includes 400 businesses that employ over 3000 people and generate more than half a billion dollars in gross sales annually, highlighting the significant role of the fishing industry in the state's economy. 

Shortfin and longfin squid are the largest commercial fishery in the state, followed by scup, which is the second largest, and Eastern oysters, which are third.

“This is a billion-dollar industry in Rhode Island, so let’s keep this going,”an advocate at the ribbon-cutting ceremony told ABC. “We have to do what we can to help the fishermen.”