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America's Cup RI 2013 Planning Committee Formed |
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Governor Carcieri, Speaker Fox, and Senate President Paiva-Weed Create the America's Cup Rhode Island 2013 Planning Committee Governor Donald L. Carcieri, House Speaker Gordon Fox, and Senate President M. Teresa Paiva-Weed today announced the creation of the America's Cup Rhode Island 2013 Planning Committee. Coordinated through the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, the Planning Committee is responsible for developing a proposal for Rhode Island to host the next America's Cup. The Planning Committee will serve as principal entity for the state's coordinated effort to bring the America's Cup races back to Rhode Island. The Committee will develop an infrastructure and capacity assessment that will further enhance Narragansett Bay's world renowned marine industry and serve as the basis for a proposal to BMW Oracle and the America's Cup Organizing Committee. Members of the Planning Committee include representation from the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, the Rhode Island State Yachting Committee, the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association, the City of Newport, and individuals with extensive America's Cup experience. "Throughout the history of the America's Cup, Rhode Island has demonstrated itself to be an ideal host location, and boasts excellent sailing conditions, the necessary marine infrastructure and marine trades, world class accommodations, legions of supportive sailing enthusiasts, and exceptional physical beauty," said Governor Carcieri. "We are well poised to compete with any city in the world to host the next America's Cup. An international event of this scope has the potential to generate millions of dollars in economic development throughout the entire state, from full hotels and restaurants and jobs in construction and the marine trades to a host of opportunities in the retail and service industries." House Speaker Gordon D. Fox added, "Bringing the America's Cup back to Rhode Island would be a huge boost to our economy, our hospitality and tourism industry, and would showcase our state's beautiful natural resources and marine trade heritage." "The people of Newport and Rhode Island recognize and appreciate the significance of the America's Cup tradition. Newport has hosted 12 of the 33 America's Cup races...Our world-class city, outstanding sailing conditions, welcoming and enthusiastic residents, and longstanding maritime tradition make Newport the ideal location to host the 34th America's Cup Challenge," said Senate President M Teresa Paiva-Weed. "This is an outstanding economic development opportunity for our state. The Senate looks forward to working with the House of Representatives and Governor Carcieri to bring the Cup back to Newport." "Rhode Island's sailing community will welcome the return of America's Cup racing to our shores. This hallmark event along with the presence of the many challenger syndicates, some of whom may be here for the first time, will experience the great sailing waters off our coast and the warmth of our welcome ashore," said Dr. Robin Wallace, Chairman of the RI State Yachting Committee. "Bringing the America's Cup back to Newport is the historic equivalent of the Olympic Games returning to Athens, Greece in 2004," added Keith Stokes, Executive Director of the RI Economic Development Corporation. "Every competitive yacht racer in the world would relish the chance to be a part of sailing history, and the event will bring international exposure and dollars to Rhode Island." |