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$125M Grant for the Bridge & PVD Trivia

$125M Grant for the Bridge & PVD Trivia

+ CCRI's new bus stops, bulls on the loose?

Oscar Punchak
September 23, 2024

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Good morning, Providence. This is PVD Current, the newsletter that’s crisper than the air on the first day of fall 🍂 (which was yesterday).

What to expect in today’s Current:

🐂 8 bulls on the loose!
$125M grant for Washington Bridge 💵
CCRI’s new-and-improved bus stops 🚌

Let’s get to it.

— Oscar Punchak

Tide Trivia

What is the name of the bridge connecting the Jewelry District to the base of Wickenden Street?

A) Washington Bridge
B) Point Street Bridge
C) Henderson Bridge
D) I-195 Bridge

The answer is on the last line of today’s email.

Currents & Waves

RI Secures $125M Grant to Help With Washington Bridge 💵

Source: reed.senate.gov

U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, along with Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo, joined Governor Dan McKee to celebrate over $125 million in federal funding for Rhode Island to replace the Washington Bridge. This funding, awarded through the Mega grant program as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is a significant step toward rebuilding the bridge, which is vital for local commuters and businesses. Senator Reed expressed gratitude to President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg for their support, while Senator Whitehouse highlighted the ongoing efforts to secure additional funds for the project. Read the official press release from Jack Reed here.

🐂 Bulls Escaped From Rodeo at Emerald Square Mall

Source: Matt Reardon

Although this didn’t take place in Providence, it occurred right across the border and is too crazy to not share. Yesterday afternoon, 8 bulls escaped from the rodeo taking place at Emerald Square Mall in North Attleboro. As of the time I am writing this, North Attleboro Fire Department has put out a statement saying 7 of the bulls have been caught, but one is still on the loose. If anyone encounters the bull they are encouraged to stay away and call 9-1-1. To view the video in the image above, click here.

Providence Street News 🛑

The City Council has introduced a resolution to rename Richardson Street to Cedric Huntley Way and Richardson Park to Cedric Huntley Park, honoring Cedric “Mr. Ced” Huntley for his dedication to community development, peace promotion, and violence intervention. Huntley, a former Nonviolence Institute Director, positively impacted many Providence residents through youth mentorship and public service. This resolution has been referred to the Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal, and Planning.

Additionally, the Council passed a resolution, driven by the North Main Street Task Force led by Councilor Sue AnderBois, to implement one-way traffic designations on the narrow streets between Benefit Street and North Main Street. This measure aims to improve safety in response to the tragic accidents that claimed the lives of four pedestrians over the past 18 months. The resolution aligns with the city's Vision Zero goals to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries, with signage to be implemented by the Department of Public Works.

Coastline Commerce

🚍 CCRI Unveils Upgraded Bus Stops with $1.8M Enhancement

Governor McKee and local leaders celebrated the completion of the $1.8 million Bus Stop Enhancement Project at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Knight Campus. This initiative, in collaboration with RIPTA, features four new bus stops with real-time information screens, accessible seating, and solar panels.

The project also includes a security camera system and new signage for improved safety. Funded by a Federal Transit Administration grant, it enhances public transportation access for CCRI students and reinforces RIPTA’s commitment to better transit connections across Rhode Island. Read more here.