Page 28: of Marine News Magazine (April 2012)

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28MNApril 2012from collecting micro-organisms in deep sea environ- ments for DNA mapping and drug discovery research to collecting mineral samples for gas and oil discovery. The Graduate School of Oceanographys Special Area Management Program (SAMP) has mapped approximate- ly 5% of the worlds ocean floors and works on mining and wind farm planning projects. Blount Boats, located in Warren, RI, proved to be one of the more interesting venues of the week. The tour and presentation at their boatyard included a personal visit from Governor Lincoln Chafee, who told MarineNews ,Im more concerned with rising energy costs here in Rhode Island than I am with taxes. We also need to focus on job training.? Looking out over four brand new, Blount-built U.S. Army 75-foot, passenger vessels sched- uled for immediate delivery, Chafee also held forth on the current challenging federal budget discussions. Defense will take a hit. Rhode Island will, however, aggressively protect its piece of the shrinking pie.? Fortunately, Blount also does more than its fair share of commercial work, too. A recently signed contract with Wendella Sightseeing Governor Chafee met with the owners of Blount Boats. From left to right: Nancy Blount, Marcia Blount, Eric Beidel (National Defense magazine), Governor Chafee, Joseph Keefe (MarineNews and Maritime Professional magazines), Julie Blount, Luther Blount.