In their continuing attempt to aid those affected financially by the Washington Bridge closure debacle, Governor Dan McKee and RI Commerce have set out what they're calling a "multi-faceted strategy to support small businesses most impacted."

The officials said the state will earmark funds "to create a targeted business marketing campaign and propose a strategy to the General Assembly to fund grants, special events and other business assistance activities."

Specifically, McKee said his administration will redirect up to $400,000 in hotel tax revenue to develop a targeted marketing campaign to encourage buying and dining locally in the areas surrounding the bridge, the westside of which was closed in December of last year and now needs to be completely replaced upon deeper inspection.   

“For the past few months, I have been talking to businesses in and around East Providence, and I know that they are hurting,” said  McKee. “This package of supports should not only provide some relief but also help spread the message that East Providence and the East Bay are open for businesses. We look forward to working with the General Assembly to support the businesses most significantly impacted by the bridge.”

In city recently, the East Providence City Council heard from business owners and operators in the bridge corridor who wondered what, if anything, the body could do to ease their situation including the possibility of offering some sort of tax relief. For the hospitality industry, specifically, the Council plans to create a "Restaurant Week" similiar to others around the state.

The administration of Mayor Bob DaSilva brought small business owners together for a gathering of government and quasi-governmental entities to offer support and guidance, including a continued emphasis on the availablity of low-interest, Federal Small Business Administration loans.

As for RI Commerce, it will propose to the General Assembly a strategy to redirect some State Fiscal Recovery Funds (SFRF),  those remaining COVID-19 federal American Rescue Plan Act monies,  to support businesses most impacted by the Washington Bridge.

The plan includes offering $300,000 for direct grants to eligible small businesses and $800,000 for technical assistance, special events and placemaking activities for eligible businesses.

East Providence Senator and Majority Whip Val Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence) appeared amenable to the proposition.

Lawson was quoted as saying, “The closure of the Washington Bridge has disrupted the lives and livelihoods of thousands of Rhode Islanders, and it has been particularly difficult for us in East Providence. Small businesses here have faced especially difficult challenges in the last several months, and many are struggling to stay afloat." 

She continued, "Along with my colleagues in the East Bay delegation, we have been in continuous consultation with the Senate President and exploring all ways to assist affected businesses. I am grateful for the work that went into this assistance package. Entering into more debt through loans, even low-interest SBA loans is not a good option for many of these businesses, and I am particularly pleased that these proposals would provide state grants to assist impacted businesses."

Commerce also plans to make up to $1 million in general revenue available through the existing Main Streets RI Streetscape Improvement Fund to support signage, beautification, and infrastructure improvements in impacted areas. Investing in improvement projects is designed to boost economic activity in these commercial districts.

“Rhode Island’s economy is driven by small businesses. It is these businesses that contribute so much to what makes our communities vibrant and diverse,” said Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner. “Rhode Island Commerce is happy to collaborate with Governor McKee and the General Assembly to help provide support to the most impacted businesses in these communities, ensuring our economy continues to thrive during reconstruction and beyond.”