Woonsocket Radio News Room

Leader Pearson, local officials celebrate Main Street RI Streetscape Improvement Fund grants to support Cumberland, Lincoln projects

STATE HOUSE – Local leaders are joining Senate Majority Leader Ryan W. Pearson in celebrating recent grant awards from the Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund program to support projects in Cumberland and Lincoln.

The Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund is a competitive grant program administered by Rhode Island Commerce that supports improvements to local commercial districts, such as signage, lighting, façade, and sidewalk upgrades. Officials recently announced more than $1.47 million for projects across the state as part of the most recent round of awards.

To support Cumberland and Lincoln projects and enable similar initiatives statewide, Leader Pearson advocated for funding of the Streetscape program in his previous role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.

Awards in the most recent round of grants include $350,000 for the Town of Cumberland toward the $66 million redevelopment of Ann & Hope Way, including improved lighting, landscaping, and street signs, as well as $250,000 for the Town of Lincoln to upgrade pedestrian safety, install ADA-compliant sidewalks, and provide for landscape improvements along Front Street.

“I am grateful to Mayor Mutter, Administrator Gould, Rep. Voas, and all the other partners at the state and local levels who do so much on behalf of our communities. I’d like to specifically recognize Councilman Ogni for taking the lead on Lincoln’s Streetscape grant application and doing such a great job to help secure this funding for an important project. I am proud to have advocated for this critical program, and I urge local leaders across Rhode Island to watch for the next round of grant applications later this year. Main streets drive our economy, and they deserve our attention and investment to help communities thrive,” said Leader Pearson (D-Dist. 19, Cumberland, Lincoln).

“Creating a climate in which businesses and communities can thrive is essential for Rhode Island’s economic wellbeing, and main streets in every city and town are central to that mission. Leader Pearson has been a powerful advocate for the Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund, and I applaud his efforts to ensure projects like those in Cumberland, Lincoln, and other cities and towns receive this vital support,” said Rep. Brandon T. Voas D-Dist. 57, Cumberland, Central Falls).

“Small businesses are essential for the health of our communities and our state’s overall economy. I am grateful to Majority Leader Pearson for his leadership in securing support for the Streetscape grant program, and in working with the town to obtain funding which will help make a transformative project a reality. This will make an incredible difference for Cumberland and its residents,” said Cumberland Mayor Jeffrey Mutter.

“For those of us in local government, addressing many needs and priorities with limited resources can be a challenge. Programs like the Streetscape Improvement Fund help us make needed investments while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Leader Pearson’s efforts on behalf of this program are deeply appreciated and will make Lincoln an even more welcoming place for visitors, businesses, and residents,” said Lincoln Town Councilman Bruce Ogni, District 2.

“Programs like this show the value in collaboration between local and state government. All of us have a vested interest in improving the quality of life for our residents while also promoting and supporting our business communities. These partnerships truly illustrate how we are all in this together,” said Lincoln Town Administrator Philip G. Gould.