EAST PROVIDENCE – A collaborative effort between the state and the Partnership for Rhode Island group will provide $250,000 toward educational and technical support for securing federal grant funding, Gov. Daniel J. McKee announced on Tuesday morning alongside members of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation.
Under the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, or Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, Rhode Island is eligible for up to $700 million in infrastructure improvement grants, according to the state.
To effectively compete against other applicants, the partnership, called CompeteRI, will support a statewide campaign to educate stakeholders on specific opportunities, and to provide agencies, local officials and other institutions with technical support for grant writing.
Partnership for Rhode Island is a roundtable group composed of CEOs from Rhode Island’s largest private employers. Founded in 2017, the group focuses on economic, education and infrastructure opportunities in Rhode Island.
The partnership was announced at South Quay, a 33-acre riverfront property in East Providence where CompeteRI is assisting in an effort to revitalize the currently underdeveloped area and its surroundings for off-shore wind development.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law sets aside $350 billion nationally for infrastructure improvements in areas such as roads, rail, drinking water, climate initiatives and programs for underserved communities.
This funding source poses “a historic opportunity to rebuild Rhode Island’s infrastructure,” Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos said in a statement.
“Leveraging the expertise and professional support of the Partnership for Rhode Island, our state agencies, cities and towns, and community organizations will be well-positioned to successfully compete for this federal funding,” Matos added.
The collaboration follows an advisory from the Biden administration, which earlier this year told states to form partnerships and other strategies to support efforts to secure Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding.
Partnership for Rhode Island earlier this year announced a separate $250,000 to provide staffing and planning resources for a grant needed to launch the University of Rhode Island’s Blue Economy and Smart Bay initiative.
Jacquelyn Voghel is a PBN staff writer. You may reach her at Voghel@PBN.com.
