Mayor Cicilline Renews Effort to Grow Jobs in the Port of Providence

City of Providence applies for second round of federal TIGER grant to expand Port and create more than 1000 new jobs for the region

PROVIDENCE - Mayor David N. Cicilline announced the City of Providence has renewed its efforts to secure a $30 million federal grant to create more than 1000 new jobs and transform the Port of Providence into a renewable, modern, highly competitive marine cargo center. The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Grant (TIGER) will be used to significantly expand operations at the Port and generate more than $120 million in annual economic activity.

"Working in partnership with Port of Providence, the City's application for the TIGER grant is stronger than ever," said Mayor Cicilline. "I have every confidence that federal Transportation officials will recognize the value of investing in a project that is widely regarded as key to our region's economic revitalization."

According to a cost/benefit analysis conducted by Bryant University, the Port infrastructure improvement project would create approximately 630 direct jobs and more than 1000 indirect jobs for the region spurred by expanded maritime and export activity. The direct jobs would garner an average annual salary of $80,000.

The TIGER funds, which would be supplemented with an additional $9 million from the Port of Providence (20% matching grant), would be used for the following infrastructure improvements:

• Purchase two barge-based container/cargo cranes
• Redevelopment of infrastructure to expand import and export capacity
• Build two 150-250 feet wind turbines
• Install solar panels for multiple buildings within the Port

It's estimated the solar panels would generate enough electricity to operate the entire Port, as well as replace existing fossil fuel consumption with the ability to generate surplus electricity that could be sold back to the electrical grid.

The project would also enhance ongoing efforts to construct a looped rail system in the Port that would increase the number of rail cars using the site, improve efficiency and enable to Port to serve more vessels and businesses.