Washington, DC – The growing business district along East Providence’s waterfront today received a significant boost as U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman David Cicilline announced a $144,410 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Agency to improve traffic flow in the area. The previously industrial Waterfront District is poised to attract additional private investment and grow the local economy.
“This is excellent news for East Providence and the whole state,” said Senator Reed. “As the Waterfront District welcomes greater traffic flow, redevelopment, new businesses, and new jobs, our economy will grow with it. Congratulations to the City of East Providence for receiving this competitive federal grant.”
“The prime Waterfront District holds enormous potential for economic growth and job creation,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Securing this federal grant to improve transportation in the area marks one more step in the transformation of formerly industrial lots into a productive mixed use development.”
“East Providence is one of Rhode Island’s great communities. This federal investment will help grow East Providence’s economy with a thriving Waterfront District that supports good-paying jobs for working men and women,” said Congressman Cicilline. “I’m pleased that I was able to work with Senators Reed and Whitehouse to put this money to good use in Rhode Island.”
With federal support, the City has facilitated the redevelopment of a number of industrial properties within the Waterfront District over the past 15 years.
The federal grant from the EDA’s Local Technical Assistance Program was awarded to the City of East Providence to make access to the waterfront more efficient for motorists and pedestrians. The City will use the funding to develop a transportation improvement plan for the area that will include adding ramps to I-195, relieving traffic congestion on Waterfront Drive and neighboring roads, and making pedestrian and bike safety improvements.
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