Scrap pile leaving, jobs coming instead

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A scrap pile sitting on the Providence waterfront is finally being cleaned up - but as the metal goes, jobs are coming in.

The enormous pile of scrap can be seen from Route 95 in Providence.  Jim Bennett, the director of economic development for the city, says it's worth about $20 million, and it's all been paid for.

To move it out, Sims Metal Management has established its New England export terminal on the waterfront along Allens Avenue.  Sims is a global, multi-billion dollar company.

Bennett says that besides the obvious benefit of getting the scrap cleaned out, money and jobs will be pumped into the city's economy as roughly a dozen more ships are expected to visit the Port of Providence, each bringing a crew of dozens who will all be spending money in the city.

Bennett says it's possible through smart use of Rhode Island's greatest natural resource - the Bay - and smart economic policies from Mayor Taveras.