By Cassius Shuman
Providence Business News
NEWPORT – Gov. Daniel J. McKee on Tuesday announced up to $1.7 million in internet access grants for Rhode Island households with low and moderate incomes.
The awards announced at the Florence Gray Center are funded through Community Development Block Grants and managed by the R.I. Office of Housing and Community Development. Recipients were selected following a request For proposals.
The program will involve installation of fixed wireless systems for households in need in 11 Rhode Island communities.
“Our administration is committed to boosting internet connection throughout the state,” said McKee. “Today’s awards will help Rhode Islanders better access reliable and affordable high-speed internet and the valuable resources it provides. This funding will complement additional awards and investments that will be made in this area in the near future, and I thank President Biden and our federal delegation for their continued support of this important funding.”
The CDBG grant-funded communities and proposed projects are:
• Newport: up to $980,000
• East Providence: up to $367,000
• One Neighborhood Builders: up to $125,000
• Providence: up to $99,000
• Neighborworks Blackstone River Valley: up to $92,500
• Smithfield: up to $38,000
• Cumberland: up to $35,000
• North Providence Housing Authority: up to $21,000
• Forest Farm Assisted Living/Middletown: up to $20,000
• Domestic Violence Resource Center: up to $4,200
• Pawtucket Housing Authority: up to $3,200
