East Providence is the recipient of two significant sums of federal money proffered by the state's Congressional delegation led by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, earmarking more than $59.2 million to Rhode Island in support of 38 local projects as part of a minibus package of six fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills just recently passed.

The stop-gap pieces of legislation, which were needed to avoid a shutdown of the Federal Government, were approved by both chambers on Friday, March 8, and signed into law by President Joe Biden the following day.

“I’m pleased to bring home tens of millions of dollars to invest in projects and communities all across the Ocean State,” said Whitehouse. “These direct investments will advance on-the-ground efforts by local organizations and community leaders to create opportunity for Rhode Islanders, protect public safety, upgrade key infrastructure, and harden the Ocean State against climate change.”

East Providence garnered $2 million directly for a line item called "Pierce Field Handicap Accessibility and Improvements." The Council and the administration of Mayor Bob DaSilva have long planned to improve key deteriorating elements of the main stadium to make it more useful for both residents and visitors to the city.

The largest share of the money, some $1.8 million, will go to install a synthetic turf field and construct a new walking track with the remainder intended to be used for the design and construction of site handicap accessibility.

"The recent awarding of a $2 million Congressional grant for Pierce Stadium renovations is a major development in our ongoing plan to upgrade the 85-year-old complex," said At-Large member and City Council President Bob Rodericks, who has made upkeep of the venerable landmark a focal point of his two terms on the body.

He continued, "This will save money on grass maintenance and allow for more field rentals. We lost (Rhode Island Interscholastic League) state playoff and championship games due to lack of turf. The awarding of this grant may free up local funds for other projects including continued improvements to Pierce."

More upgrades coming

Rodericks noted other improvements made previously in concert with the DaSilva administration included replacing unsafe stadium fencing, installation of new scoreboard and public address systems in the baseball and football fields, renovated public restrooms with new stainless-steel fixtures, flooring and LED lighting and the picnic/sitting areas at the main entrance of the stadium,

Rodericks added, "The majority of improvements to Pierce Field and many other recreation areas and parks have been made with state and federal grants and awards. Very little has impacted the general budget."

Ward 2 Councilor Anna Sousa, in whose district Pierce is located, said she was both "elated and appreciative" about the allocation, adding "I'm not looking for just estheticism, but functionality and public safety as high priority" as part of the repairs.

Sousa also said she expects some of the remaining funds for the Pierce project to be used to renovate the concession stand, stone wall reenforcement and to fix handicap ramp from the parking lot.

She continued, "It will take fiscal responsibility to ensure the funds are used to complete all the necessary repairs and replacement.I'm not looking for just esthetics, but functionality and public safety as high priority repairs/rebuilds...The Council has supported me with additional (federal COVID-19 relief) APRA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to get the project started. I'm not opposed to adding additional funds if needed."

Coastal bluff bolstering

In addition, as part of the city's collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, the local environmental organization will receive $750,000 towards the continuing effort to restore the shoreline and bluff at Crescent Park in Riverside.

The earmark supports coastal resilience and preserve public access measures being implemented at the park, which notably is home to the historic Looff Carousel.

“Coastal communities across New England are looking for new, nature-based solutions to coastal erosion that preserve public access to the shoreline and enhance fish and wildlife habitat,” Sue AnderBois, Director of Climate and Government Relations at The Nature Conservancy, said in a press release issued on the funding. “TNC is grateful to Senator Whitehouse for his consistent leadership on climate and coastal resilience. We’re excited to see how we can continue to support East Providence.”

Added Ward 4 City Councilman Rick Lawson, in whose district the park is situated, "This funding, along with the $1.8 million received from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, will go a long way to reinforcing the southern portion of the seawall. I am very grateful to Sen. Whitehouse, Sen. (Jack) Reed, and Congressman (Gabe) Amo for their hard work advocating for East Providence. Crescent Park is a gem and any investment in the park is a worthwhile investment."

Lawson was referring to an influx of funding from the Infrastructure Bank and administration of Gov. Dan McKee, which provided the city the monies to install slope stabilization measures at the Crescent Park waterfront. The new monies support "Phase 2" of the project, scheduled to include construction of approximately 250 feet of hybrid shoreline protection measures to protect the bluff.