PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island will receive $10.6 million in development grants, U.S. Sen. Jack F. Reed announced on Sept. 16.
The federal aid comes in the form of several grant programs run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The grants include $7.4 million from the Community Development Block Grant program, $1.6 million from the Home Investment Partnership program, $1 million from the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS program and $583,215 from the Emergency Shelter Grant program.
The $7.4 million from the CDBG program will be split between Providence ($4.7 million), Pawtucket, ($1.7 million) and Cranston ($1 million). CDBG grants are a “flexible source of federal funding to address a wide range of neighborhood development needs,” including capital-improvement projects, capital distribution to nonprofits, revitalization of distressed areas, support for small businesses, infrastructure projects and streetscape improvements, according to the release sent out by Reed.
The HOME grants announced were given to Providence ($1.2 million) and Pawtucket ($407,524). HOME grant money is used exclusively to expand the supply of affordable housing for working families.
The ESG program, which provides local governments money to upgrade and expand emergency homeless shelters, is allocating $427,127 to Providence and $156,088 to Pawtucket.
Providence also will receive $1 million in HOWPA funds which helps communities and nonprofit organizations offer housing and related supportive services to low-income individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
“When these federal funds are leveraged with local resources, Providence, Cranston and Pawtucket will be able to strengthen infrastructure and help businesses boost economic development,” said Reed in prepared remarks. “I’m proud to help deliver these funds and I look forward to working with our cities and towns to help them address their most pressing needs, enhance their neighborhoods, and boost Rhode Island’s economy.”
I understand and appreciate the fact that so many agencies in Rhode Island need help. However, what I’m very disappointed about is the fact that less than half of the communities in Rhode Island will be helped this time around. In the Town of South Kingstown for example, we are receiving 0 funds. We have numerous human services agencies in our town that service the surrounding area that had anticipated receiving funds from the grants in their budget’s, but to only find out recently that they would be getting nothing. We are one State of Rhode Island… all communities deserve to be treated fairly.