East Providence was recently awarded a six-figure grant to create what is termed a "Citywide Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.”

The Rhode Island Division of Statewide Planning late last week announced it awarded $160,000, through its 2023 Municipal Technical Assistance Program, to East Providence to help the city initiate the project.

The grant comes with a 20 percent match from East Providence, $30,000 in cash and $10,000 in-kind or the value of any real property, equipment, goods or services contributed to the effort in city.

The program is designed to support municipalities with planning projects that enhance active transportation opportunities, increase mobility choice, and promote walkability and bike-ability of neighborhoods. It will assist the city in the development of "safe, on-street, dedicated bicycle facilities and well-connected, high-quality ADA-compliant sidewalks for pedestrians."

East Providence’s grant application called for identifying a connected, citywide bicycle and pedestrian network as a priority in the transportation element of its current draft Comprehensive Plan update. The proposed project plan would connect the East Bay Bike Path, the Ten Mile River Greenway Bike Path, and the planned separated bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure for the Henderson Bridge redesign.

“The city is excited to work with Statewide Planning on this opportunity to holistically look at the city's bike and pedestrian transportation network,” said Keith Brynes, the city's Director of Planning and Economic Development.

He continued, “There are numerous opportunities to explore, including improving safety throughout the community and investigating additional connections to the East Bay Bike Path, Ten Mile River Greenway, and the city's riverfront.”

Rhode Island’s Division of Statewide Planning receives formula funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation for metropolitan transportation planning around the areas of transportation, climate change and resilience, land use and natural resources, the state’s Census data center, water planning and comprehensive planning support.