Commuter Crisis: Local business compensation measure unanimously passed by East Providence city council

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The East Providence City Council has unanimously passed a resolution requesting the mayor work with state leaders to compensate local businesses impacted by the Washington Bridge closure.

The resolution was introduced by council member Rick Lawson.

“The state failed to maintain and inspect the bridge, this is a request that while they’re doing the budget up at the State House, they look into a way to compensate these businesses,” said Lawson. 

Lawson says that the measure could be implemented through a tax credit or financial payment.

A resolution was also passed in support of House bill 77-59, which calls for monthly snapshot reports on the Washington Bridge, including repairs, alterations and any replacements needed.

The city council resolution was introduced by council vice president Frank Rego.

In a response, East Providence Roberto DaSilva said, “We have personally gone out to visit and speak with many East Providence business owners to hear of any impact they have had due to the closure. We also have collected data from more than 180 East Providence businesses to learn how, if at all, their businesses were impacted.”