Incentives create Rhode Island construction jobs
Posted on April 10, 2016
New incentives are creating Rhode Island construction jobs.
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation Board of Directors has approved several economic development incentives to spur business growth, construction projects and job creation.
Among the projects moving ahead are awards under the Main Street RI Streetscape Improvement Fund, the Innovation Network Matching Grant program and the Rebuild Rhode Island tax credit program. These tools were passed as part of Raimondo’s 2016 budget in partnership with the General Assembly.
Several cities and towns received the first round of funding from the new Main Street RI Streetscape Improvement Fund, which enhances central business districts around the state. Seven projects are receiving a total of $999,400 in funding.
• Bristol is receiving $80,000 for signage to direct visitors along Routes 114 and 136 to the downtown commercial district and available public parking.
• Central Falls is receiving $300,000 for façade improvements along Dexter Street, a public art installation to conceal overhead wires, and the provision of free public Wi-Fi within the commercial district.
• East Greenwich is receiving $32,400 for Main Street sidewalk repair to make them ADA-accessible and increase the sustainability of infrastructure in the town’s historic commercial district.
• ONE Neighborhood Builders is receiving $196,000 for a Providence project of structural upgrades to bus stops to improve shelter infrastructure and to increase the safety and accessibility for pedestrian traffic in Olneyville Square.
• Pawtucket is receiving $245,000 to replace derelict storefronts on the ground level of the city’s main municipal parking garage with landscaping, install a wayfinding station outside of the garage, and implement a two-way traffic pattern on Main Street.
• The Providence Foundation is receiving $76,000 for signage around downtown Providence to direct foot and vehicle traffic to downtown commercial destinations, transit centers, and landmarks.
• Finally, Woonsocket is receiving $70,000 for landscaping installations and the creation of drop-off areas and handicap accessibility to slow traffic, as well as curbing upgrades, in the city’s Arts District.
