SK, NK projects will benefit from $12 million influx of federal money
Rep. Seth Magaziner has successfully secured over $12 million in federal funding earmarked for an array of local community projects.
The proposed funding, totaling $12,353,131, has been approved by the House of Representatives and will support 14 critical projects within the district, ranging from environmental sustainability initiatives to public safety and community health improvements.
Magaziner emphasized the funding’s focus on enhancing public safety, educational infrastructure, water management, and overall quality of life.
“This is about delivering tangible results for Rhode Islanders,” he stated.
The congressman submitted 15 projects for fiscal year 2024. Of these, 14 were included in the initial government funding legislation due earlier this month. The remaining six government funding bills are due by tomorrow.
“I will only submit projects that have demonstrated support from the community,” said Magaziner.
North Kingstown is set to benefit from a $1 million investment in an indoor recreation facility, doubling as an emergency shelter, signaling a significant step toward bolstering community resilience and well-being.
Magaziner highlighted the importance of accessible community spaces in Rhode Island, emphasizing “every community deserves a year-round space for programming and recreational opportunities that improve health and wellbeing.”
North Kingstown Town Manager A. Ralph Mollis noted that the project faced early challenges due to bond questions in the November special election but received a boost from federal backing.
“I think this is a great example of the exceptional working relationship that we have with our federal delegation,” said Mollis, “They’ve been through that relationship, they brought in some significant dollars to make a lot of our projects come to reality.”
The proposed Recreation Center aims to be a versatile venue for various activities and programs for all ages.
It will provide gymnasium space for basketball, tennis, pickleball, and a walking track, thereby alleviating the demand on current school system facilities.
“I look forward to additional opportunities to present our community with facts to ensure this exciting, beneficial community resource can become a reality,” Mollis continued, “Fiscal accountability is a point of pride within my administration and this project, should it be approved by voters in the future, will meet our high standards in that regard.”
Technology and public safety are also focal points, with investments of almost $795,000 slated for the University of Rhode Island’s Secure Compute/Data Enhancement project.
This funding is intended to enhance their capabilities to perform cutting-edge, innovative research through their partnership with the National Institute of Undersea Vehicle Technology and the U.S. Navy.
The Peace Dale Library in South Kingstown is set to receive $700,000 for rehabilitation transforming it into a fully accessible community space to support academic education, workforce development, remote work and study, and personal health monitoring activities.
“We’re very excited about what the improved resources will bring to the residents of this town,” said South Kingstown Town Manager Manni James.
The Peace Dale Library is the largest and most utilized by the community within the South Kingstown library system, which also includes the Kingston Free Library and the Robert Beverly Hale Library.
“This isn’t just a blank check, you have to give a conceptual design on what you plan to do with the money,” said James.
The town has been working on these plans for over a year, ensuring they are “very well prepared” to meet all the grant requirements.
As part of this year’s government spending package, this federal funding is poised for Senate approval before reaching President Biden’s desk for his signature.
More information on these 14 local projects can be found at https://magaziner. house. gov/ fy24- community-project-funding-requests.