Seismic_Surfer t1_ivcl04p wrote on November 6, 2022 at 11:37 PM

URI’s Bay Campus has been limping along with inadequate buildings that were constructed in the 1970s as temporary structures. Considering its standing as a world class oceanographic research institution, its facilities are completely substandard. It is getting to the point where it is affecting the ability to attract and retain faculty. The buildings literally leak during moderate rainstorms, which impact ongoing tank-based studies. The state’s geography (Narragansett bay, and adjacent sounds) make it a very attractive setting for “blue” economic development. Having research facilities that better facilitate industry-academic-military partnerships will benefit the blue economy. There was a good article in the Boston Globe that highlighted the importance. I suppose it comes down to if you think tax dollars are being invested wisely. Up to you to decide.

Rhodysurf t1_ivcty3j wrote on November 7, 2022 at 12:43 AM

Yeah this bind specifically targets the Ocean Engineering buildings which are downright embarrassing. I was an OE class of 14 and they were bad then and have gotten worse. It’s a no brainer of a question because OE program brings in big industry money especially with all the wind energy companies coming to our area. OE program is too notch

clambo14 t1_ivd7cpc wrote on November 7, 2022 at 2:28 AM

I was in the OE program from 81-84. Those buildings were a mess 40 years ago. My understanding is that grants for research will pay for part of staff salaries and equipment. Tuition may pay for part of salaries, supplies, and equipment.

Buildings and major infrastructure improvements come from sources like this bond. The dock for the research vessel that replaces the Endeavor was paid for by previous state bond money. With the new pier in place, the federal government brings the new ship to the Bay campus, rather than to other locations like Woods Hole.

Rhodysurf t1_ivd7w8b wrote on November 7, 2022 at 2:32 AM

A lot of it has to do with GSO owning the OE buildings and leasing them to Engineering Department since OE doesn’t fall under GSO. So GSO prioritized all their shiny buildings first and left sheets and Middleton to rot

Capecole t1_ivejec8 wrote on November 7, 2022 at 11:51 AM

I have ridden my bike through the main URI campus and the bay campus and it’s pretty amazing how bad the bay campus buildings are comparatively. Just from the outside, as a casual observer, it’s clear that part of campus needs to be revamped.

_CaesarAugustus_ t1_iveo4tn wrote on November 7, 2022 at 12:40 PM

This actually helped a lot. I had a very vague understanding heading into voting. Now I have a much firmer grasp.

Seismic_Surfer t1_iveq2n0 wrote on November 7, 2022 at 12:58 PM

I’m glad to hear that!

oceanknit t1_ive659s wrote on November 7, 2022 at 8:43 AM

As a graduate student currently on URI’s Bay Campus studying Ocean Engineering, I can confirm that these temporary buildings are more than a little problematic for such a top tier program. Not to mention many of the older buildings are not ADA compliant, making some offices, labs, classrooms inaccessible to disabled people.

The Ocean Engineering department conducts a lot of top tier research and has measurable goals for boosting the blue economy in Rhode Island, that would be more efficient in better facilities.