University of Rhode Island cuts the ribbon at new pier at Narragansett Bay campus

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WLNE) — A ribbon cutting unveiled the new pier at the University of Rhode Island’s Narragansett campus on Friday morning.

Sen. Jack Reed and Rep. Seth Magaziner joined URI leaders in the celebration at the campus at 215 South Ferry Road.

The new pier will allow researchers full access to Narragansett Bay.

A new pier will give University of Rhode Island researchers full access to Narragansett Bay. (Photo courtesy of URI)

The original pier was built in 1963 and could no longer be used, according to URI officials.

The new pier will be utilized next year when the school’s new research vessel, Narragansett Dawn, is scheduled to arrive.

“These ships are not mass produced and given to everyone who wants them,” Reed said. “This is a very rigorous selection process, and it speaks very highly of the collaborative effort led by the University of Rhode Island.”

The 199-foot vessel will be one of only three of its kind in the nation.

“This new pier and the Narragansett Dawn will further strengthen URI’s status as a world leader in oceanography and all of its related disciplines, marine sciences, biology, engineering and geology,” Magaziner said.