RIHA looking to help businesses impacted by Washington Bridge closure

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Hospitality Association said that although the Washington Bridge coming down is not great news, at least they have somewhat of a timeline to work with.

“My heart just goes out to them because they are just trying, this is their livelihood,” spokesperson Heather Singleton said.

The long-awaited announcement of the Washington Bridge’s future confirmed the westbound side of the bridge will need to be torn down and rebuilt.

“[Businesses] are just trying to stay in business, they are trying to pay their bills, trying to pay their taxes, and following the letter,” Singleton said.

The association said after several months businesses are saying they need a complete rebuild, too.

But small businesses said a loan is not what they want.

“As of right now there hasn’t been anything except for a loan,” The Burrito Bowl Operations Manager Jessica Medeiros said. “When you are in a 40 to 60 percent revenue loss, a loan is not what you want to take on because that is just more debt.”

Gov. Dan McKee said his administration is working to make a plan to assist those struggling, but it will come with time.

“This is very, very concerning for our local industry,” Singleton said.

The association said they hope they can work hand in hand with elected officials to keep everyone’s doors open.