Why Vote Yes on Question 3?

by Topher Hamblett, director of advocacy

As a native Rhode Islander, I'm proud of our state's history of voting for major investments in the cleanup of Narragansett Bay. We have always stepped up for the Bay, as well as clean drinking water, open space and recreation, farmland protection, and the cleanup of polluted industrial sites.

Election Day on November 6 presents another opportunity for voters invest in the best of Rhode Island. Question 3 - The Green Economy & Clean Water Bond, is a $47.3M package that will build upon our past success of environmental protection. It also looks to the future with funding to help cities and downs adapt to the rising seas, coastal erosion, and flooding that come with climate change.

Save The Bay has been leading a coalition of more than 80 organizations who understand the value of our natural resources and the importance of protecting and improving them. Rhode Island's network of waterways, open spaces, farmland, bikeways and recreational places are vital to the state's economy and way of life. Every year, these resources delight millions of visitors and generate jobs and revenue that support state and local economies. At Save The Bay, we're especially excited about the bond's investments in coastal resiliency and public access to the shoreline in the face of increased flooding and major storm events and in improvements to drinking water and wastewater treatment systems that will ensure our drinking and recreational waters are clean and safe.

Imagine what Narragansett Bay would be like if we, the voters, had said "no" to investing in Bay cleanup and restoration. It's unlikely that the Providence River, once choked with raw sewage and industrial waste, would today be teeming with bluefish and striped bass chasing menhaden right into Waterplace Park. The river would be void of community boating, sailing, recreational fishing boats and families walking its shorelines to enjoy a day on the Bay.

But Rhode Islanders have consistently, emphatically said "Yes!" to ballot measures the restore the Bay.The results have been spectacular. Our progress is worth protecting and building upon.