Gov. Dan McKee is asking Congress to release $1.3 million in unused pandemic relief funds to help small businesses hurt by the continued closure of the westbound Washington Bridge. .
McKee’s office announced Monday afternoon that the governor has filed an amendment to his fiscal year 2025 budget proposal to create a direct grant program along with “other business assistance.”
The westbound side of the bridge, which carries 96,000 vehicles a day on Interstate 195, was closed last December after engineers discovered that an anchor rod meant to prevent the bridge from swaying was broken. was suddenly closed. State leaders plan to demolish and replace nearly the entire building, a process expected to last until 2026 and could cost between $250 million and $300 million. be.
McKee’s budget amendment would allocate $600,000 of state financial relief funds directly to the City of East Providence and $400,000 to Providence.
“I know what it’s like to run a small business and face challenges,” McKee said in a statement. “We all need to support the businesses affected by Washington Bridge and ensure their continued success for years to come.”
McKee’s budget amendment also sets aside $300,000 for an emergency fund administered by the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation for businesses outside the two cities the Washington Bridge connects.
“While East Providence and Providence businesses are most directly affected by the Washington Bridge reconstruction, the impact is felt across the state,” Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner said in a statement.
The Governor’s proposed budget amendments are as follows: Local business owners express dissatisfaction Concerning the difficulty in securing low-interest economic damage disaster loans from the federal government.
McKee announced earlier this month: $2.5 million state relief package Only $300,000 in direct grants were included for small businesses. The remaining $2.2 million would go toward technical assistance and beautification for businesses, along with state marketing campaigns and grants to municipalities for signage and sidewalk improvement projects.
Matt Tuett, a spokesman for the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, said McKee’s amendment does not eliminate funding for technical assistance or space development.
“The Governor is directing the cities of East Providence and Providence to provide support to businesses in their communities as they deem most appropriate, including through direct grants, technical assistance, and funding for community events to increase customer traffic.” ,” Touchet said in an email Monday night.
Commerce Corp.’s Placemaking Initiative proposal is expected to be submitted by April 19, Touchette said. The marketing campaign continues, according to McKee’s announcement.
Get the morning headlines delivered to your inbox
