Council Finance Committee Approves City Investments in Clean Water Projects

PROVIDENCE, RI – On Tuesday, City Council Finance Committee members approved measures that allow the city to invest up to $1 million in clean water, stormwater, and sewer infrastructure. The ordinance would authorize the development of Total Maximum Daily Load Implementation Plans (TMDLIP). A total maximum daily load is the maximum number of pollutants allowed to enter a body of water. The plans layout actions and timelines to reach specific water quality goals and standards.

Clean water projects targeted for Providence include Mashapaug Pond, Roger Williams Park Pond, the Woonasquatucket River, and the West River. Providence has received confirmation from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, qualifying the city for $400,000 in loan forgiveness on a loan of $1 million. The proposal calls for the balance of the loan to be paid by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated for sewer and stormwater projects. The ordinance now moves to the full council and requires two passages.