Former Atwood Ave. police station site to be rebuilt through $400,000 DEM grant

Posted 10/31/18

The former Cranston Police Station site at 275 Atwood Ave. is set to become a brand new retail center. According to a Dept. of Environmental Management (DEM) press release, the state has decided the site fits the guidelines for a $400,000 grant, which

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Former Atwood Ave. police station site to be rebuilt through $400,000 DEM grant

Posted

The former Cranston Police Station site at 275 Atwood Ave. is set to become a brand new retail center.

According to a Dept. of Environmental Management (DEM) press release, the state has decided the site fits the guidelines for a $400,000 grant, which is part of a $2.6 million round of grant awards through the 2018 Brownfield Remediation and Economic Development Fund. The 2016 Green Economy Bond, which RI voters passed by a 68%-32% margin and invested $5 million in incentivizing the redevelopment and productive reuse of polluted sites – known as brownfields – is the source of the money.

The Atwood Ave. site, which is a former solid waste dumping area, is one of 12 sites around the state being given grants this year.

The grant will fund 50 construction jobs to rebuild the site, and an additional 40 permanent jobs are expected to result, according to the DEM press release.

“When we’re able to clean up brownfields while also increasing our commitment to renewable energy, that’s progress we can all be proud of. Cleaning up contaminated brownfields sites is one of the smartest investments government can make,” said Governor Gina Raimondo. “I’m committed to funding these projects quickly, and I look forward to the success stories that this latest round of funding will set into motion.”

In all, 11 of the funded projects will create 598 construction jobs and 269 permanent jobs. The application for the first phase of the remediation of the Newport Grand property estimates that by itself, this project will generate 1,241 construction jobs and 565 permanent jobs. The projects also will unlock tens of millions of dollars in additional investments and promote smart growth by reclaiming and reusing valuable real estate.

“DEM significantly increased the emphasis on the green energy reuse option in the scoring criteria for this request for proposals. It’s terrific to see that three of the projects feature solar arrays and one will become a LEED-certified building,” DEM Director Janet Coit said.

She noted that the 2018 Green Economy and Clean Water Bond – Question No. 3 on the November ballot – includes $4 million more to invest in brownfields cleanup.

“Supporting Question 3 will continue our positive trajectory toward cleaning up our waterways and contaminated sites, preserving farmland and open space, and ensuring our state remains a healthy and wonderful place to live, work, visit, and raise a family,” Coit said.

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