3CRS Focal Communities

Rockland, Maine, is a small coastal city located in the heart of the Midcoast region, about 80 miles northeast of Portland. It is known for its strong maritime heritage and thriving arts scene, and is a thriving tourist destination. Once a major ship-building center, it is a commercial fishing and lobstering hub though is still home to other maritime industries. Rockland is a lifeline to several remote island towns, as well as neighboring towns.

Bath, Maine is a small coastal city known for its rich maritime history. Located on the Kennebec River, about 35 miles northeast of Portland, Bath is often referred to as the "City of Ships" due to its longstanding shipbuilding heritage and self-identifies as a "ship-building community". It is home to Bath Iron Works, a major shipyard that has been constructing naval ships since the 19th century, and the largest employer in the state, and is also home to river charters and river-sized cruise ships for tourism. Bath serves as a hub for surrounding towns and islands that rely on its roads and infrastructure for access to employment, broader transportation networks, healthcare, groceries, and other essential services.

The Port of Providence is one of the busiest deep-water ports in the northeastern US. As a hub for industrial activities, regional commerce, and a growing renewable energy sector, it is an important part of Rhode Island's economy. The Port supports thousands of jobs, both directly through port operations and indirectly through related industries like shipping, logistics, and manufacturing. It has also led to environmental and climate justice efforts in the neighborhoods abutting the Port that have been disproportionately exposed to and affected by industrial pollution and contamination over decades.

The Port of Galilee is an economic engine for the state of Rhode Island as the largest fishing port in the state and one of the busiest fishing ports on the East Coast. It is a major transportation hub for tourists traveling to and from Block Island, and is home to two state beaches, restaurants, shops, and boutique hotels. It is also a critical lifeline to Block Island, and is the only port providing food, fuel, and other services to residents of Block Island.