East Providence mayor weighs gift cards for small business relief after bridge closure

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Governor Dan McKee is proposing $1 million from the upcoming budget to be allocated to small business owners impacted by the Washington Bridge closure.

If approved, East Providence would receive $600,000 of those funds.

Although the McKee’s budget proposal still needs to be approved by the general assembly, Mayor Bob DaSilva and his team have been coming up with different ways to distribute the money.

Although it’s in the early stages, DaSilva said gift cards could be one way the city disperses the money.

East Providence residents would use these cards at local businesses. Small grants for these businesses are also on the table, according to DaSilva.

DaSilva said:

“If we get gift cards into the hands of those residents who are low to moderate income or who live in those areas, then those people will go out to those establishments, they will spend the gift card and then some.”

Yesterday, The Rhode Island Senate and House successfully voted to pass the legislation that would require monthly updates from Rhode Island Department of Transportation that would be sent to the General Assembly as well as McKee.