News Release: East Providence Receives $160,000 Grant for Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
Published on Saturday, November 11, 2023
The R.I. Division of Statewide Planning announced today that it has awarded $160,000 to the City of East Providence through its 2023 Municipal Technical Assistance Program to support the creation of a “Citywide Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.”
The 2023 Municipal Technical Assistance Program is designed to support municipalities with planning projects that enhance active transportation opportunities, increase mobility choice, and promote walkability and bike-ability of neighborhoods.
East Providence’s application called for identifying a connected, citywide bicycle and pedestrian network as a priority in the transportation element of its current draft Comprehensive Plan update. The proposed project plan would connect the East Bay Bike Path, the Ten Mile River Greenway Bike Path, and the planned separated bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure for the Henderson Bridge redesign.
The City of East Providence will match 20% of the grant funding with $30,000 in cash and $10,000 via an in-kind match.
“This program allows the Division of Statewide Planning to allocate some of our federal funding to Rhode Island communities,” said Meredith Brady, Associate Director, Division of Statewide Planning. “We’re trying to bolster municipal transportation and climate-related planning efforts by providing consultant support and other technical assistance.”
Most residents in East Providence rely on single-occupancy vehicles for their primary means of transportation, in part due to a lack of detailed comprehensive planning for safe, on-street, dedicated bicycle facilities and well-connected, high-quality ADA-compliant sidewalks for pedestrians.
“The city is excited to work with Statewide Planning on this opportunity to holistically look at the city's bike and pedestrian transportation network,” said Keith A. Brynes, Director of Planning and Economic Development, City of East Providence. “There are numerous opportunities to explore, including improving safety throughout the community and investigating additional connections to the East Bay Bike Path, Ten Mile River Greenway, and the city's riverfront.”
Rhode Island’s Division of Statewide Planning receives formula funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation for metropolitan transportation plan
Under the RI Department of Administration, the Division of Statewide Planning promotes and encourages best practices for the balanced growth and development of the State of Rhode Island to ensure equitable, sustainable, and resilient development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future. Planning areas include transportation, climate change and resilience, land use and natural resources, the state’s Census data center, water planning and comprehensive planning support.
Learn more about the RI Division of Statewide Planning, its programs, resources, and support opportunities, by visiting its website. For information about the City of East Providence’s Department of Planning & Economic Development, use this link.