PROVIDENCE – ProvPort Inc. on Thursday launched a master planning process that will lay out potential long-term plans for improvements, expansion and opportunities to develop projects on property it controls on the city's working waterfront.
The development of a master plan is a condition included in ProvPort’s 30-year lease extension with the city that was approved in 2023. The nonprofit ProvPort leases the port property from the city, and it is managed by Waterson Terminal Services LLC.
Starting with a comprehensive assessment of ProvPort’s current facilities, infrastructure, and operations, the master plan will be coordinated with the city's Department of Planning and Development, and administered by Waterson Terminal Services.
The process is intended to also identify projects related to climate change, sustainability and the environment.
"The ProvPort Master Plan is a key opportunity for the city of Providence to align our port and maritime industry goals," Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley said. "As the region’s deepwater port facility, the decisions we make today will help shape Providence's economy and establish the foundation for a carbon-free, alternative energy future."
GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc. has been retained to serve as the project consultant firm. GZA was selected by ProvPort in consultation with the city’s planning department. ProvPort is responsible for all costs related to the master plan.
GZA will consult with the University of Rhode Island on a grant-funded pilot program to integrate the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework to incorporate climate-resilience considerations for ProvPort tenants and critical infrastructure.
“All of us at GZA appreciate what a strategic public asset and economic engine ProvPort is for the city, state, and all of southern New England,” GZA CEO and President Patrick Sheehan said. “We’re honored to be working with ProvPort to ensure the port remains resilient, sustainable, and a driver of tremendous community and economic benefits for generations to come.”
The community benefits and sustainability projects prioritized in the master plan will ultimately be funded by assessment fees on ProvPort’s operating revenues in addition to grant opportunities and other sources of funding. These projects will be selected in consultation with Ward 10 and 11 council members as required by the ProvPort’s lease extension.
The master planning process will include four or more community meetings with businesses and residents throughout the neighborhoods of Wards 10 and 11. The purpose of the meetings is to engage and educate the public and to encourage participation and dialogue. There will also be a public hearing before the Providence City Council.
"Community engagement is vital to the development and success of Ward 10 and the city as a whole," said Providence Councilman Pedro Espinal. "I am pleased that the master planning process will include input from our neighbors who will be most impacted. I look forward to working with ProvPort and GZA over the next year to develop a community-driven plan."
A Master Plan Advisory Committee has been formed bringing together those with a stake in the future of Providence and ProvPort, city and ProvPort officials said.
The committee includes city councilors from Wards 10 and 11, community representatives, institutional stakeholders and local businesses and organizations.
“This process will provide a vision on how ProvPort can best serve the city of Providence for the next three decades,” said Chris Waterson, CEO and president. “The plan will greatly assist ProvPort and the city in securing federal grants and help us prepare for the challenges related to climate change.”
The first community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex at 182 Thurbers Ave.
