PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – Rhode Island’s application for federal funds to replace the westbound Washington Bridge shows how much its December closure is impacting local businesses.
According to a 47-page application submitted to federal transportation officials on May 6, 252 people have filed for unemployment benefits because of the bridge.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is applying for a $221 million federal intermodal project discretionary grant to help pay for construction of the Washington Bridge. The latest estimate from Gov. Dan McKee's office puts the total cost of replacing the bridge at about $455 million.
On page 18 of the “Mega Grant” application, RIDOT references a RI Commerce study in which it claims some businesses experienced revenue declines of “up to 70%.”
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley on Monday acknowledged these are challenging times for businesses in Providence after two Wayland Square restaurants announced their closures.
“I'm feeling a little tired,” Smiley said. “I think small business owners have a special resilience. They just survived the pandemic… There always seems to be something.”
Dozens of business owners who responded to a Commerce Department survey expressed exhaustion.
Target 12 obtained a portion of the survey, but it did not include the names of the companies or their owners.
“It's just squeezing small businesses in Warren,” one business owner wrote.
Almost all local businesses sought some form of financial assistance, including grants.
“I have $60,000 in credit card debt,” said another Seekonk business owner.
More than 1,000 companies have applied for Small Business Administration loans, according to mega-subsidy applications.
Gov. Dan McKee has proposed $1.3 million in future state funding for businesses affected by the bridge closure.
Most of the survey responses were submitted shortly after the bridge closed, but some are more recent, including one from an anonymous business owner in Barrington in May.
“This is more than a request for financial assistance,” the owners wrote. “This is us as a small business, and we’re asking for your help so we can stay open and serve our community.”
Kate Wilkinson (kwilkinson@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter at 12 News.connect with her twitter and facebook.