Celebrating Infrastructure Week 2023 & Investments In Critical Infrastructure Projects Across Rhode Island

May 15-19 was Infrastructure Week 2023, and an opportunity to highlight the need to invest in our state's critical infrastructure. We're proud to serve as Rhode Island's central hub for financing infrastructure improvements for municipalities, businesses, and homeowners. Since our inception, we've financed $1.5 billion in clean water projects, $626 million in drinking water projects, and more than $7 million in municipal resilience projects across Rhode Island.

As part of Infrastructure Week, we visited Newport's Long Wharf Pump Station. With $12.5 million in financing through our Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the station will receive major upgrades including new pumping and odor control systems. Upgrades that will harden the wastewater treatment system to the impacts of flooding while also reducing odors at the plant.

We enjoyed participating in Infrastructure Week 2023, and look forward to continuing to assist our partners in financing their critical infrastructure needs.

Providence Water Kicks Off Free Lead Service Line Replacement Program

On May 24th we joined Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, Ward 11 City Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris, and the team from Providence Water to watch private side lead service line replacement work happening in the city's Trinity Square neighborhood. Thanks to federal grant funding, Providence Water is able to conduct this work at no cost to homeowners.

Over the next 5 years, we anticipate receiving approximately $140 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help Rhode Island's public drinking water systems remove public and private side lead services. A once in a generation investment that will make major progress addressing this public health issue.

Jim Braz Joins Infrastructure Bank As Director of Commercial Clean Energy Services & Greg Miller Joins As Business Development Analyst

We're pleased to welcome two new members to the Infrastructure Bank team!

Jim Braz, Director of Commercial Clean Energy Services

With more than 35 years in the banking industry, Jim brings a broad set of skills and experience as our new Director of Commercial Clean Energy services for the Commercial Property Assessment Clean Energy (C-PACE) program.

Greg Miller, Business Development Analyst

Greg joined our team after previously working for BLDUP, a commercial real estate tracking platform. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Greg is a member of the East Providence Planning Board and serves as managing director of housing advocacy group Neighbors Welcome Rhode Island.

We're Hiring! Business Development and Administrative Assistant Openings

We're hiring!

• Administrative Assistant
• Business Development Analyst
• Business Development Officer

Cover letters and resumes to careers@riib.org.

Infrastructure Bank In The News

Little Compton beach project wins $247K state grant, Sakonnet Times

The grant will go on to fund stormwater improvements on Taylor’s Lane. Bio-retention swales will be installed, a new system that allows for better water drainage will be implemented in the parking area, and pavement close to the coast will be pulled back as much as possible. Currently, the existing ditches and gullies discharge stormwater into the Sakonnet River.

Grant will help limit flooding within Slater Park, Valley Breeze Pawtucket

Pawtucket’s $234,800 will be used to improve the north parking lot at Slater Park. Two existing parking lots on Sally Road in Slater Park regularly flood picnic areas along the road and discharge stormwater runoff into the Ten Mile River. Using grant funding, a new north parking lot area will utilize bioretention planters and a bituminous curb or earthen berm to reduce flooding and stormwater runoff.

R.I. Infrastructure Bank awards stormwater grants to 3 towns, ABC-6

“With the increased frequency and severity of intense rain and flooding events due to climate change, implementing new stormwater management infrastructure is critical to improving resilience and reducing impacts on nearby ecosystems,” C.E.O. Jeffrey Diehl said. “We are pleased to make this grant funding available for these worthy projects that will reduce stormwater runoff, benefit the environment, and improve quality of life.”

Local Flood Resilience Efforts Get Boost From States, Pew Trusts

Speaking on the call, Kimberly Korioth from the Infrastructure Bank explained: “The MRP has invested $7.5 million in action grants toward priority climate resilience projects across Rhode Island, and the program has catalyzed an additional $6 million of investment in resilience projects across the state.” These included watershed restoration and improved stormwater management projects identified in local MRP workshops. And in November, Rhode Island voters approved a bond question that will provide an additional $16 million to Rhode Island cities and towns for the completion of resilience projects identified through MRP workshops.

Pawtucket releases tentative paving list, Valley Breeze Pawtucket

The city of Pawtucket recently secured funding for citywide road paving to begin as soon as May. A $2.5 million Municipal Road and Bridge Revolving Fund loan was closed by Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank for use on street paving projects in the west side of the city.

Mayor Donald Grebien, whose priority since taking office has been to upgrade aging road infrastructure, said he is grateful for the support.

“Thanks to this low-cost loan from Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, we will make major progress repaving roads across the city starting this spring. We appreciate the Infrastructure Bank’s assistance in working with us to obtain this needed funding to upgrade our roads,” he said.