Legislator: New strategies needed for Valley economy

PROVIDENCE – Rep. Alex D. Marszalkowski (D-Dist. 52, Cumberland) has introduced legislation (2018H 7975) that would create an 18 member special legislative study commission to provide recommendations to encour- age economic development within the Blackstone Valley.

“The Blackstone Valley is one of Rhode Island’s strongest assets. Its natural beauty is breathtaking and it was also the home of our country’s industrial revolution. And with targeted approaches and thoughtful policy decisions, the Blackstone Valley can once again be home to another economic revolution in our state. This commission is the first step toward the creation of a prosperous Blackstone Valley business corridor and I am eager to see this legislation passed and to begin working on ensuring the valley’s future economic success,” said Representative Marszalkowski.

The purpose of the commission will be to make a comprehensive study and make recommendations to foster and promote the economic growth of the Blackstone Valley in order to promote a stable and diversified local economy and enhance the quality of life of Blackstone Valley residents. The commission will focus on strategies that promote and enhance responsible economic growth in the community, methods to support the continued success of existing businesses and industry, pathways that encourage new businesses and industry to locate in the valley, and policies that support the overall economic welfare of the Black- stone Valley while preserving its natural beauty.

The commission will consist of three members of the House of Representatives representing communities in the Blackstone Valley; the President of Bryant University, or designee; the President and CEO of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, or designee; the Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce, or designee; the Executive Director of the Pawtucket Foundation, or designee; the Project Coordinator of the Broad Street Regeneration Initiative, or designee; the Chairman/ Executive Director of the Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative, or designee; the Chair of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, or designee; the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association, or designee; three representatives of small business owners with not more than 20 employees; three representatives of large business owners with more than 20 employees; and an attorney with zoning and business development experience.

Representative Marszalkowski’s legislation has the bi-partisan support of the Blackstone Valley delegation in the House of Representatives, with 15 members representing the valley signing on as cosponsors of the legislation.