Raimondo to Tour East Greenwich Main Street, Highlight Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund

Seven Projects Awarded Funding to Improve Commercial Districts

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Governor Gina M. Raimondo on Thursday will highlight the Main
Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund as part of her continued commitment to creating jobs, spurring economic growth,
and making the state an even better place to live, work, and visit.
The funding is granted on a competitive basis for improvements to our commercial
districts. Funding is available for projects that improve the streetscape, such
as enhanced sidewalks, new benches and bike racks, new way-finding signage, upgraded
building facades or improved street lighting.
«The Main Streets in our cities and towns are hubs of economic growth – and the
places where we can all come together,» said Raimondo. «These projects will put
Rhode Islanders to work improving our commercial districts and continue to enhance
the quality of life in our communities.It’s no surprise that we received such an
enthusiastic response to the first round of funding, with three times more demand
than supply.»
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation recommended that its Board of Directors select
seven inaugural recipients of awards under the Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape
Improvement Fund. The Corporation received 18 applications seeking over $3.4 million
in funding. The 7 awards recommended total just under $1 million, which is the amount
appropriated for this program for the current fiscal year.