The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank has closed on a $100,000 loan with full principal forgiveness for the Prudence Park Water Association to install new pressure tanks and a flow meter, officials announced Thursday.
The grant will fund critical infrastructure improvements for the small, nonprofit public drinking water system on Prudence Island’s west side. The system serves 15 service connections and supports a seasonal population of about 100 residents.
“Many of Rhode Island’s smaller water systems, like the Prudence Park Water Association, do not have the financial resources needed to implement expensive system upgrades on their own,” said Bill Fazioli, executive director of the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank.
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan, structured with 100% principal forgiveness to function as a grant, will help the association comply with state standards while continuing to provide safe drinking water to residents who depend on the system year-round.
Board Chair Edward O’Rourke said the small size of the association’s service area makes it challenging to afford necessary modernization upgrades.
“We want to thank the team at the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank for working with us and for providing this $100,000 grant that will allow us to make necessary upgrades so we can continue to provide safe drinking water to residents who rely on our system,” O’Rourke said.
The association is operated by a volunteer board of five members and provides the only source of year-round potable water for households in the Prudence Park community.
Dr. Jerry Larkin, director of health, said the funding makes resources available to small public water systems for important infrastructure improvements that improve drinking water quality and protect public health.