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6/26/2025
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Bill to bury India Point Park and Bold Point Park power lines becomes law
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STATE HOUSE — Legislation sponsored by Rep. Matthew S. Dawson and Sen. Samuel D. Zurier to enable the burying of high-voltage power lines between Bold Point Park in East Providence and India Point Park in Providence has become law. Representative Dawson introduced the bill at the behest of the city of East Providence and Senator Zurier introduced the bill at the request of the city of Providence.
“This project has been fought over and debated for decades while leaving up aging stanchions that are not only complete eyesores, but also safety hazards as the structures erode. This project is crucial for the further development of Bold Point Park and this bill will bring together multiple funding sources to finally get this long-sought-after project completed for the residents of East Providence,” said Representative Dawson (D-Dist. 65, East Providence).
“This year’s legislation marks the successful conclusion of a 20-plus year project to enhance India Point Park, one of the crown jewels of the city of Providence. While increasing the quality of life for visitors, the burial of these power lines will also boost economic development. Most of the additional cost has already been collected, with the balance coming from a modest surcharge on residents’ electric bills. I am grateful to the neighborhood groups who have worked on this for years, and for the City’s elected officials for assembling a solution to this longstanding need,” said Senator Zurier (D-Dist. 3, Providence).
The legislation (2025-H 5687A, 2025-S 0981Aaa) will allow funds from a 2004 settlement with the Narragansett Electric Company to be used for the majority of the project’s funding. The cities of Providence and East Providence saved that settlement money for the purpose of burying the power lines between Bold Point Park and India Point Park. The remainder of the project funding will come from East Providence ratepayers, at a cost of an additional $32, and from Providence ratepayers, at a cost of an additional $77, spread out over three years.
For more information, contact:
Tristan Grau, Publicist
State House Room B20
Providence, RI 02903
401.222.4935
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