WASHINGTON, D.C. – Five Rhode Island communities have been approved for a total of more than $9.6 million in federal Community Development Block Grants, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed announced this morning.
The grants are a “flexible” federal funding source that can be used for capital-improvement projects or funding for nonprofit organizations, according to Reed’s office.
In a statement, Reed said the grants have been “overwhelmingly successful in revitalizing neighborhoods and spurring economic development.
“This federal infusion of $9.6 million will help address a wide range of community development needs,” he continued. “This funding will help support homeownership, provide social services and improve the quality of life in communities throughout the state.”
The grant money will be awarded to: Cranston, $1.06 million; East Providence, $793,727; Providence, $5.55 million; Warwick, $895,871; and Woonsocket, $1.31 million.
Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline in a statement this morning thanked Reed, saying that the grants “are essential to our ongoing efforts to build strong neighborhoods, provide critically important social services and strengthen families.”
Reed’s office this morning also announced other federal funding for Rhode Island.
Providence will receive $2.43 million from the Home Investment Partnership, $801,000 from the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program, $247,284 from the Emergency Shelter Grants program and $19,974 from the new American Dream Downpayment Initiative.
Woonsocket will receive $522,070 from the Home Investment Partnership and $58,505 from the Emergency Shelter Grants program.
