Infrastructure Bank Awards Municipal Infrastructure Grants to Central Falls, New Shoreham, Burrillville & Glocester Projects
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – At last night’s public meeting, the Board of Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank voted to award a total of $1 million in Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program funds to the communities of Central Falls, New Shoreham, Burrillville, and Glocester for the completion of actionable, impactful projects identified through a request for proposals process.
“The Infrastructure Bank is pleased to award a total of $1 million in Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program funding to Central Falls, New Shoreham, Burrillville, and Glocester. Utilizing this funding, Central Falls will develop 47 new affordable apartments and commercial space, New Shoreham will build workforce housing for year-round residents, Burrillville will install a new sewer line to unlock new residential and commercial development in a key area for the town, and Glocester will complete a public drinking water feasibility study for the village of Chepachet. Infrastructure is essential to Rhode Island’s cities and towns and the Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program is another tool in our toolbox to assist our municipal partners in fostering economic development.”
Associate Director of Statewide Planning Meredith Brady added, “I was pleased to be able to assist our partners at RIIB by reviewing Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program applications through the lens of the State Guide Plan. Ultimately, the grant awards will create and strengthen economic development, housing and equity opportunities through projects in four diverse community settings statewide.”
Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program awarded projects:
· Burrillville – The grant will provide funding design, permitting and construction of a 90-foot gravity flow sewer pipe across the Clear River. Making the connection will allow for both new residential and commercial development in a key growth area for the town. The project leverages sewer work completed in the mid 1990’s that anticipated this future growth along Route 107.
· Central Falls – The grant will partially fund a project to create 47 new affordable housing units on Broad Street. The project will spark economic development in the area, while satisfying an urgent need for affordable housing where residents need it most.
· New Shoreham – The grant will provide funding for workforce housing units on Block Island, addressing the critical issue of housing availability and affordability. The project will help maintain a year-round workforce and strong local economy.
· Glocester – The grant will fund a feasibility study for developing a community-wide potable water system for the village of Chepachet, with the goal of implementing a safe and environmentally responsible water system for the residents and businesses in the area.
The Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program was established to provide competitive grants to municipalities statewide to complete key infrastructure projects that accelerate affordable housing and economic development, with recipients required to provide a local match of at least 25%.
