PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: January 9, 2025
Contact: Chris Hunter, 401-487-7771
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Board of Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank has voted to award a total of $3,341,918 million in Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program (MIGP) awards to the communities of Bristol, Burrillville, Coventry, Cumberland, East Providence, Jamestown, Portsmouth, Providence, Warwick, West Warwick, and Westerly for the completion of actionable, impactful projects identified through a request for proposals process. Projects receiving MIGP awards include public park upgrades, stormwater and sewer improvements, feasibility studies for drinking water infrastructure, and infrastructure upgrades to support housing development.
“We’re pleased to award $3.3 million in Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program awards to 12 projects in 11 cities and towns across Rhode Island,” said William Fazioli, Executive Director of Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank. “From public park upgrades in Warwick and Providence, to stormwater improvements in East Providence, to sewer infrastructure to support housing in Cumberland, to studying drinking water needs in Jamestown, these grants will support the infrastructure needs our communities have identified as priorities. The Bank provided an additional $341,000 of its own revenues to support these smart investments that will pay dividends for decades to come. Our assets are meant to be put to work to meet the infrastructure needs of our cities and towns, not accumulated. And that is exactly what we've done with this round of Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program awards.”
“Building a gateway entrance to our beautiful Rocky Point State Park has been a top priority of my administration, and thanks to this $500,000 Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program award we’ll be able to move forward with this and other park improvements,” said Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi. “Investing in recreational infrastructure is an investment in the quality of life for our Warrick residents and for all Rhode Islanders who visit Rocky Point State Park.”
“This funding represents an incredible opportunity to continue delivering on our commitment to improving the quality-of-life across Providence,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “Our investments will enhance recreational opportunities in Roger Williams Park and strengthen stormwater management to create a more resilient city for future generations. Most importantly, it will support the growing demand for accessible and sustainable housing development in Providence. By enhancing public spaces, improving essential infrastructure and addressing environmental challenges, we're creating a brighter and more equitable Providence for all."
“Westerly has been experiencing increased flooding from severe storms and that is why we have been working to upgrade our stormwater infrastructure,” said Westerly Town Manager Shawn Lacey. “We want to thank the Infrastructure Bank for providing Westerly with $300,000 in Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program funding to continue this work by building a protective wall around our Margin Street pump station, a critical piece of stormwater infrastructure for our community.”
“I am very grateful to the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank for supporting this much-needed stormwater and drainage improvement along Greenwood Avenue,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “This funding will help mitigate localized flooding in this part of our City, and positively impact both our local employers and residential developments.”
Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program awarded projects:
$333,921 – Bristol - Burnside Street Reconstruction & Streetscape Improvements - Streetscape improvements linking the Downtown to the waterfront that includes sidewalk construction, curbing work, utility relocation, paving, and street beautification.
$216,000 – Burrillville - Chapel Street Sewer Connection/River Crossing Phase II - Construction of a new 90-foot sewer line to support residential and commercial growth.
$131,774 – Coventry - Promoting Economic & Housing Development - Upgrades to the Woodland Manor Pump Station which include a new emergency generator.
$400,000 – Cumberland – Infrastructure Upgrades to Support Affordable Housing - Design and engineering work for replacing 2,200 feet of aging sewer lines to improve utility connections to housing and mill buildings.
$500,000 – East Providence - Greenwood Avenue Stormwater Management - Stormwater and drainage improvements along Greenwood Avenue to increase stormwater capacity and mitigate localized flooding affecting local employers and residential developments.
$112,500 – Jamestown - Public Water System Feasibility Study - A feasibility study to determine what potential additional sources could support and bolster the existing water infrastructure in Jamestown.
$30,000 – Portsmouth - Elmhurst Park Parking Lot Lighting - Installation of 20 lighting fixtures in and along Elmhurst Park to support local tourism and programming in the park.
$450,000 – Providence - Cunliff Lake Boardwalk & Fishing Dock in Roger Williams Park - Construction of a boardwalk and fishing dock in Roger Williams Park to enhance access and recreational opportunities while also making investments in stormwater management to improve water quality.
$300,000 – Providence - Benton Street Development Project - Construction of sanitary sewer infrastructure along Benton Street to remove predevelopment barriers and facilitate new affordable housing.
$500,000 – Warwick - Rocky Point Park Gateways Improvement Project - Design, permitting, and construction of park improvements including vehicle egress and circulation, parking lots, new sidewalks, and stormwater management.
$66,000 – West Warwick - Linking Economic & Housing Development - Structural and surface rehabilitation work to the LaChapelle Bridge which serves as a critical connector between town offices, residential developments, and the Downtown.
$301,723 – Westerly - Margin Street Pump Station Protection - Construction of a protective wall to floodproof a pump station that services thousands of residences and businesses including those in the town's Downtown.
A review committee consisting of representatives from the Infrastructure Bank, Rhode Island Commerce, and the Division of Statewide Planning was convened to review municipal grant applications and make project award recommendations.
The Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program was established to provide competitive grants to municipalities statewide to complete key infrastructure projects that support job creation and economic development, housing development and rehabilitation, create opportunities for commercial growth and expansion, and community development projects that are in areas that communities have determined are best suited to efficiently accommodate future growth or redevelopment. MIGP grant recipients are required to provide a local match of at least 25%.
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About the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank
Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank is Rhode Island’s central hub for financing infrastructure improvements for municipalities, businesses, and homeowners. We leverage capital in a revolving fund to offer innovative financing for an array of infrastructure-based projects including water and wastewater, road and bridge, energy efficiency and renewable energy, and brownfield remediation. These quality-of-life projects improve the State’s infrastructure, create jobs, promote economic development, and enhance the environment. www.riib.org – Facebook: @RIinfrastructure – Twitter: @RI_InfraBank
