The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank announced that it is providing a $1 million Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan, with $400,000 in principal forgiveness, for the City of Providence to conduct studies into water quality issues impacting regional waterways.
With the help of the funds, Providence will study phosphorus impact Mashpaug Pond, phosphorus and bacteria impacting Roger Williams Park Ponds, heavy metals and bacteria impacting the Woonasquatucket River, and bacteria impacting the West River.
Once completed, the studies will also provide a series of Best Management Practices to improve stormwater management and water quality.
“The City of Providence has made major progress improving the water quality of several of their ponds and rivers, and this Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan will allow the City to continue that work,” said Jeffrey Diehl, CEO of Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank. “We are pleased to assist Providence in their efforts to improve water quality for these waterways, which are critical to both the environment and recreation for residents.”
“Providence residents deserve access to clean waterways,” said Providence Mayor Brett Smiley. “Thanks to this loan from the Infrastructure Bank, we’ll be better able to identify stormwater issues that are impacting our ponds and rivers, and implement best management practices to improve water quality. We thank Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank for being an important partner in our work to improve the quality of Providence’s waterways and put the health and safety of our residents first.”
