Mayor: Paving project would help boost economy
PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Providence Mayor Angel Taveras (tuh-VEHR'-us) is calling his proposal to borrow $40 million to repave city streets and do other infrastructure work an investment in economic development.
In his weekly newsletter, the mayor also says the paving project would represent a "down payment on a higher quality of life."
The project calls for the repaving of 62 miles of roads, or about 15 percent of city-maintained streets, with bond funds. Taveras says the project would support 1,600 jobs over three years and help attract new business.
He says progress his administration has made in cutting a massive budget shortfall has left the city well-positioned to begin long overdue repairs.
If the City Council approves the bond ordinance, it would go to voters to decide in November.
