The US Small Business Administration has opened a disaster relief Business Recovery Center located at the Weaver Memorial Library in East Providence as part of the state's ongoing response to the Washington Bridge closure crisis.

The center began operations on Tuesday, Dec. 19, and is expected to remain in service through at least the first week of the new year.

“While no amount of business preparedness could have seen something like this coming, we are happy to have been able to get this Economic Injury Disaster declaration so quickly,” said SBA District Director Mark Hayward. “I want to thank Governor (Dan) McKee and Mayors (Bob) DaSilva (East Providence) and (Bret) Smiley (Providence) for their hard work and quick response to this situation that allowed us to ensure local small businesses will now be able to access EIDL funds and ensure they continue to thrive during this holiday season."

Hayward has a close connection to the city. He is a former Council member representing Ward 1 and was the body president during his tenure in the 1980s.

Hayward spoke before the Council here the same evening at its regularly scheduled meeting.

He called himself a "homer" in regard to helping focus the SBA's efforts on East Providence, saying in his position he "wanted to make sure we move as quickly as possible."

Hayward acknowledged the city "took the initial brunt" of quagmire created by RIDOT's decision to immediately shutter the westbound side of the bridge due to severe structurally abnormalities now over two weeks ago on Monday, Dec. 11.

Counties in Rhode Island as well as parts of neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut have been included in the disaster relief area. Qualifying businesses can access low interest, 4% loans. The number is 3.25% for non-profits. The current Fed Fund is just above 5%.

Hayward urged owners to "fill out the application even if they don't need it." He made particular mention of hospitality and retail businesses. The director, who is soon retiring from his post, said payment deferrals three months in duration, up to a year total, are available, especially for businesses with immediate cash flow concerns.

Those interested in learning more about the SBA low process can visit https://lending.sba.gov.

Bridge repair update

RIDOT's latest update, made Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 20, on the necessary upgrades being made to the westbound side of the bridge

Contractors made repairs to the concrete on the span to prepare the surface for installation of the steel components, plates and anchor rods. Those pieces are being to fabricated with an expected delivery date sometime during Christmas week.

RIDOT reminded residents and motorists due to much of the work taking place underneath the deck, travelers may not see the actual work taking place or the large crews performing the repairs.

Ferry service starts

The ferry service implemented by RIDOT in an attempt to help quell traffic congestion associated with the bridge repair went into service Thursday morning, Dec. 21.

According to a report in The Boston Globe, the cost to run the ferry as proposed through the duration of the estimated three-month period to repair the westbound side of the bridge could be upwards of $5 million.

RIDOT and the three companies have caveats built into their agreements, the most notable being the reduction in operations if there is a lack of use or the out-right cancellation of the service with two-weeks notice if warranted.

The state and the ferry operators are for sure going to be in business for the next 14 days at least at a cost of just over $900,000. The largest vessel run by SeaStreak costs about $25,000 to run each day, the Block Island Ferry about $13,200 and the Rhode Island Fast Ferry $12,500.

The service is scheduled to run seven days a week on half hour intervals between Bristol and Providence from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Departures and arrivals in Bristol at the State Street Dock at 127 Thames Street. The Bristol Maritime Center will be open as well for waiting passengers. There is free parking at Colt State Park where riders can access a Rhode Island Public Transit Authority bus shuttle to the dock. Shuttles will be available to take returning riders to their parked cars at designated times in the afternoon and the evening.

The ferry will dock at 25 Portugal Parkway, India Street, in Providence. There is free parking there with about 120 spaces. As well, a RIPTA shuttle will be available to take riders between this location and Providence Station. All three ferry providers are hiring deck hands and other staff.

The schedule for the ferry is available on the Washington Bridge closure web page at www.ridot.net/WashingtonBridgeClosure.