PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2024
CONTACT INFO. :
Office of the Mayor
Matthew Paddock
Communications Manager
(401) 435-7500 Ext 11013
mpaddock@eastprovidenceri.gov
Planning Board Recommends Mayor’s Proposed FY 2024/2025 Capital Budget
Mayor allocates an additional $1.3 million for roads and sidewalks
EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – During an City of East Providence Planning Board meeting in August, the board voted unanimously to recommend the Fiscal Year 24/25 Capital Improvement Budget for this year's upcoming fiscal year, along with providing an advisory recommendation to the City Council.
The FY 24/25 $6,118,625 Capital Budget puts a great emphasis on public safety and city services including over $2.1 million in total for the replacement of a 1995 Ladder 3 (tower truck), which is currently 29 years old. The tower truck is pivotal for the safety of residents throughout the city as it is stationed in Rumford and would be the primary response to an incident at some of our high rise buildings including Rumford Towers, Office Parkway, and City View.
This capital allocation also proposes a replacement purchase of a 2019 rescue vehicle, Rescue 2, which has exceeded industry standard frontline status, with an existing mileage of 122,825.
In addition to the original $1 million proposed in the Capital Budget for sidewalk and roadway improvements; following conversations with Council President Bob Rodericks and Ward 3 Councilman Francis Fogarty, Mayor DaSilva has allocated an additional $1.3 million for a total of $2.3 million for city infrastructure improvements including repaving roads throughout the city.
Other proposals within the City’s FY 2025 Capital Budget include $285,000 for the Department of Public Works to add three plow trucks for snow removal.
This capital budget improvements include funds for the City’s cybersecurity and recycling, air quality at City Hall, and a replacement generator used for fire suppression and security systems during power outages at Crescent Park Looff Carousel.
“These capital improvements are a result of input from our department heads, who work 365 days a year to bring the highest level of service to our community,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “These needs were carefully vetted by our staff and positions the City of East Providence to continue providing the highest level of service to our residents.”
Additionally, following meetings and conversations with East Providence School District Superintendent Sandra Forand, School Finance Director Craig Enos, Chief of Staff Patricia Resende and City Finance Director Malcolm Moore, discussions have begun about closing out the East Providence High School bond.
Once the project is fully complete, there is an anticipated overage of approximately $3 million. Based on conversations, the intent is to take any overage from the East Providence High School bond and use that funding to pay for future East Providence School Department Capital Improvements.
Mayor DaSilva’s administration, along with school leaders are still in the early stages of this conversation and are awaiting action from the School Building Committee and East Providence School Committee before moving forward.
