Forest preservation to brownfields clean-up are among the first projects to receive funding from a 1998 environmental state-wide bond issue. The state is awarding $2 million in open space matching grants for 14 projects in 13 communities across the state under the $15 million 1998 Greenways bond issue.
“The strong statewide demand for this open space funding exemplifies a broad-based commitment to preserving open space and expanding recreational opportunities for all Rhode Islanders,” said Gov. Lincoln Almond, in a prepared statement. “The grants go a long way toward continuing a state and local effort to enhance and preserve the quality of life for future generations.”
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The grants will provide funding to such diverse projects as saving Oakland Forest, an old growth forest in Portsmouth, and cleaning up the Riverside Mills brownfields site along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway in Providence.
Almond’s current five-year capital plan calls for awarding an additional $2 million in grants for local land acquisition from the 1998 bond issue in fiscal year 2001 and another $2 million in fiscal year 2002. DEM will combine them in a $4 million grant round next summer.
Almond is proposing a $50 million bond issue for the November 2000 ballot aimed at accelerating the effort to preserve and protect open space throughout the state.
All 14 projects that were selected for this first round of funding provide matching funds for acquisition, design, and construction of local bikeways and/or recreational greenways. Greenways traditionally include trails, river walkways, and natural corridors. These areas are primarily off-road facilities, and they often serve as links between state and local parks, other bikeways, areas of open space, and municipal business centers. The Rhode Island Greenway’s Council selected the 14 projects from 32 proposed projects.
The following projects received funding:
* The city of Providence, $450,000, for a remedial clean-up of Riverside Mills property along the Woonasquatucket River in preparation for its use as a stopping point for bikeways users. The total cost of the project is estimated at $2.4 million.
* The town of Westerly, $350,000, for improvements along the Pawcatuck River, including extension of the existing Riverwalk north of Broad Street Bridge. Total project cost is estimated at $1.8 million.
* The South Kingstown Land Trust, $200,000, for the construction of a loop trail connecting the DuVal Trail in Perryville, leading to a six-mile loop through undisturbed forest. The total project cost is estimated at $825,700.
* The Cumberland Land Trust, $107,00, for the acquisition of 50 acres off Scott Road that will connect two existing open space areas and create a large greenway and trail system in central Cumberland. The total project cost is estimated at $220,000.
* Oaklawn Grange in Cranston, $10,000, for the beautification of Oaklawn Grange Park. The total project cost is estimated at $21,000.
* The town of South Kingstown, $112,000, for the construction of a Peace Dale Village bike path connecting Old Mountain field with the South County YMCA, the new senior center, and the new South Kingstown Middle School. The total project cost is estimated at $225,000.
* The city of Central Falls, $38,000, for the acquisition of two acres of river front land to extend the proposed Central Falls Landing for hiking and bicycling. The total project cost is estimated at $77,487.
* The Block Island Land Trust, $24,000, for the creation of a greenway. The total project cost for the project is estimated at $1.5 million.
* The Hope Associates, Inc. in Scituate, $135,000, for the construction of a pedestrian walkway and bike path along the Pawtuxet River. The total project cost is estimated at $270,000.
* The Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, $67,500, for the acquisition of marsh and upland abutting Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge and as easement between it and the sanctuary. The total project cost is estimated at $135,000.
* The town of Bristol, $200,000, for the acquisition of 20 acres of woodland, meadow, wetland, tidal marsh, and beach along Mt. Hope Bay. The total project cost is estimated at $1.15 million.
* The Aquidneck Island Land Trust in Portsmouth, $200,000, for the acquisition and preservation of the Oakland Forest. The total project cost is estimated at $765,000.
* The town of Barrington, $27,628, for the acquisition and protection of a portion of the Hampton Meadows greenbelt. The total cost of the project is still unknown.
* The town of Burrillville, $27,628, for the creation of a 1.5 mile nature trail. The total cost of the project is estimated at $84,000.
