Governor McKee and Executive Office of Housing Announce $3.6 Million in Community Development Block Grant Awards to Support Local Public Facility and Infrastructure Improvements

Published on Wednesday, September 17, 2025

PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing announced approximately $3.6 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards to ten municipalities. These funds will support critical public facility and infrastructure projects, as well as essential services that directly benefit Rhode Island residents, particularly those with low and moderate incomes.

“Investing in our communities is investing in our people,” said Governor Dan McKee. “These grants will help ensure that our towns and neighborhoods have the facilities, infrastructure, and services they need to thrive. From safer streets to enhanced public spaces, these projects make Rhode Island a stronger, more equitable place for everyone.”

Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the CDBG program provides annual grants to states, cities, and counties to foster sustainable communities. The program focuses on improving housing, creating safe and suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.

“When we invest in facilities and services that support communities, we strengthen neighborhoods, enhance quality of life, and create opportunities for residents to thrive,” said Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard. “These grants provide municipalities with vital resources to address local needs, and by collaborating closely with cities and towns, we ensure the funds support projects that align with our Housing 2030 vision—helping new and existing homes flourish within safe, equitable, and connected communities across Rhode Island.”

“We are grateful for this Community Development Block Grant that will help the Town of Bristol restore the former Walley School building into a Community Resource and Senior Center,” said Steve Contente, Bristol, Town Administrator. “The grant funds will support rehabilitation and restoration of the historic former school building and provide a new municipal center that will offer dedicated services for seniors. Its resources will help seniors age in place and provide programs that engage them in socialization outside of the home. The project incorporates the need for neighborhood recreation and contributes to a vibrant downtown by keeping civic and cultural uses in the downtown as an anchor.”

The 2025 CDBG awards reflect Rhode Island’s ongoing commitment to helping municipalities enhance public facilities, upgrade infrastructure, and expand access to essential services. State-administered funds are distributed to local governments, which in turn allocate resources to nonprofit organizations and other entities to carry out eligible projects tailored to community needs.

Rhode Island manages the CDBG program for the 33 municipalities that do not receive direct HUD allocations. Cities such as Cranston, East Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, Warwick, and Woonsocket—classified as “Entitlement” communities—administer their own programs independently. This coordinated approach ensures that communities across the state can implement projects that reflect their unique priorities and needs.

Awarded projects: