PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2024
CONTACT INFO. :
Office of the Mayor
Matthew Paddock
Communications Manager
(401) 435-7500 Ext 11013
mpaddock@eastprovidenceri.gov
City of East Providence awarded more than $50K in Placemaking Initiative grants
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Governor Dan McKee and Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner joined Mayor Bob DaSilva at the Crescent Park Loof Carousel in Riverside to announce several grants for municipalities across the state including three to the City of East Providence.
“We are excited to be a recipient of these Placemaking Initiative grant awards,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “Thank you to our Gov. Dan McKee and Commerce Secretary Liz Tanner for their continued support.
“Since day one of the Washington Bridge closure, we have fought to support our city by any means necessary and that includes both our businesses and the people who call East Providence home,” Mayor Bob DaSilva added. The funding from these grants continues to enrich our community’s heritage, history and culture.”
The funding for the grants comes as part of Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s Placemaking Initiative. The RI Rebounds Placemaking Initiative is a statewide effort to support businesses in the tourism and hospitality industries.
The City of East Providence was awarded nearly $17,000 to support the July 14, 2024, Intertribal Pow Wow the first of its kind in East Providence.
“We are beyond appreciative to Gov. Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Commerce for helping to make our city's first ever Intertribal Pow Wow a reality,” Chairwoman of the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Indigenous Affairs Carole Brown said. “For years, members of the East Providence community have had to travel as far as New York to take part in time-honored traditions, now members of different tribes from across our region will be able to come together as one to educate our community and celebrate our rich native culture and heritage.”
The City also received $25,000 to support eight cultural feasts within the City of East Providence during the summer months.
“Thank you to Gov. Dan McKee, Mayor Bob DaSilva, and the Rhode Island Commerce,” Glen Fagundes said. “As the proud president of Trinity Brotherhood, I know how grateful all of the organizations are for this grant.
“This initiative has allowed our Portuguese cultural events to remain vibrant and to flourish,” Fagundes added.
The Crescent Park Carousel Preservation Association was also able to secure $18,225 to support five events including Summerfest, The Great Townie Pumpkin Festival, Trunk or Treat, Movies in the Park and an additional event that is set to be announced at a later date.
“We here at the Crescent Park Carousel are so grateful for the RI Rebounds – Summer Events Placemaking Mini Grants Initiative,” Carousel Manager Tracy Johnson said.
“With this grant, we will be able to offer free quality community events for everyone to enjoy this season while promoting our small local businesses with an opportunity for them to showcase themselves at our events. Our nonprofit is dedicated to the continued restoration of the Historic Looff Carousel at Crescent Park, raising awareness as well as much-needed funds to keep this tradition around for generations to come,” Johnson added.
“This season is going to be incredible, and we hope to see everyone at the park,” Johnson added.
