CONURBATION: an extensive urban area resulting from the expansion of several cities or towns ....(Dictionary.com)

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Rhode Island is unique in many ways. Some of them are enviable qualities, like the beauty of the ocean presence; the lovely, picture-perfect small towns; and the diversity of population. There are other Rhode Island qualities which are not so enviable, like high taxes, high cost of living, eroding industrial base, and what seems to be a preponderance of governmental discord.

But the unique characteristic which stands out, because of the size of Rhode Island, is that Rhode Island is, for all intents and purposes, a city-state. There are numerous municipalities in the state, including some good-sized cities. But the fact remains that Providence is the hub of commerce, entertainment, higher education, communication, and most other aspects of life. Not that they don't exist in other places. (God forbid that I tell people on Aquidneck Island that all life in Rhode Island exists in Providence! I'm told that there are people on Aquidneck Island who have never been to Providence, although I think that is less likely in this day and age than in previous eras.) The configuration of interstate highways, Green Airport, and Amtrak make the point.

Whether it is a popular idea or not, conurbation is an emerging reality in Rhode Island. Clearly, it has not taken on an official status, and I'm not aware of any legislation pending to make it an actual plan. But that is not the only way conurbation takes place.

The growing dependence upon Providence for health care by the existence of several hospitals and related health services is a reality. Hospitals in other parts of the state function locally, but are dependent upon Providence hospitals for major surgical and therapeutic processes. Television and radio stations relating to Rhode Island are located in Providence, bringing the city into the living rooms of people throughout the state and region. Major entertainment facilities are located in Providence, bringing Rhode Islanders into the city on a regular basis. And, of course, the restaurants of Providence are a draw for many Ocean Staters.

Conurbation is not always an absorption of communities by a city, as much as a relationship with other nearby municipalities in a way that ties them together as a functioning enterprise, but leaves them existing as independent municipalities. There are various forms of regionalisation which exist throughout the country. Conurbation is more a concept than a plan.

Given the economic climate and the decreasing self-sufficiency of Rhode Island municipalities, it is not only a good idea, but perhaps a necessity that the state develop a plan which is based upon mutual interdependence and cooperation. In a year in which important state elections will take place, the idea of conurbation will be discussed, if not in name, at least in concept.