Three Newport County communities will receive more than $1 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funding to support public facility improvements and essential services, Gov. Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing announced Wednesday.
The awards, totaling approximately $1.05 million for the region, will fund projects ranging from senior center renovations to housing assistance and medical training programs.
Jamestown received the largest single award at $500,000 for renovations to the Jamestown Senior Center, while Newport secured five separate grants totaling $666,260 for various community initiatives.
“Investing in our communities is investing in our people,” McKee said in a statement. “These grants will help ensure that our towns and neighborhoods have the facilities, infrastructure, and services they need to thrive.”
Newport’s funding will support multiple projects, including $371,260 for Housing Authority of City of Newport security enhancements, $180,000 for the McKinney Shelter, and $50,000 for hunger relief efforts in Newport County. Additional Newport awards include $40,000 for dental equipment at BCAP and $25,000 for LU Dexter Ave.
Middletown received two grants: $350,000 for Bloom Court and $50,000 for Lucy’s Hearth.
The Community Development Block Grant program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides annual grants to foster sustainable communities and expand economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.
Rhode Island manages the program for 33 municipalities that do not receive direct federal allocations. The state awarded approximately $3.6 million total to 10 communities statewide.
Housing Secretary Deborah Goddard said the grants provide municipalities with vital resources to address local needs while supporting the state’s Housing 2030 vision of creating safe, equitable and connected communities.
The funding supports Rhode Island’s commitment to helping municipalities enhance public facilities, upgrade infrastructure and expand access to essential services for residents who need them most.
