Our Focus: River
BVTC Annual RIver Users Conference
TPF Presentation | River Users ConferenceOn September 16, 2011, The Pawtucket Foundation presented a progress report of commercial and residential development along the Blackstone River in Pawtucket and Central Falls. The annual conference gives a diverse group of environmental, government and private stakeholders an opportunity to collaborate and share information. Discussion topics included water quality testing, fish ladders, hydro power and emergency response. This year, Senator Reed attended the event and spoke about the prospects of creating a National Park.
designplanWatch a video about the impact of the Pawtucket Downtown Design Plan (PDDP) and how sustainable transportation infrastructure planning can improve the health of the Blackstone River.
The Pawtucket Foundation supports creation of National Park
At a recent public hearing earlier this summer (August 2011), executive director Thomas Mann and several board directors of The Pawtucket Foundation attended a public hearing to show support of a special resource study that recommends the creation of a National Park along the historic Blackstone River. "We believe the National Park Service can best protect, manage and interpret the Blackstone Valley's unique resources for the benefit of the public," said Mann in front of a packed room of supporters at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center. Read our letter of support. TPF_NationalPark (pdf)
The River
Pawtucket has no greater resources than the historic Blackstone/Pawtucket River that runs through its downtown. The river played a vital role for early settlers and in providing the energy necessary to begin the American Industrial Revolution at Slater Mill. Today, the river provides an opportunity for recreation and attracting redevelopment. The Foundation supports the work of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor to clean up and promote safe, environmentally friendly uses along the river. In addition, the Foundation encourages sustainable development along the river in accordance with the Tidewater Riverfront Strategy. We seek to capitalize on the environmental, cultural and scenic attributes of the river that make it a regional public asset. With the construction of the iconic new Interstate 95 Pawtucket Bridge and the implementation of the Blackstone Valley Bikeway, Pawtucket's riverfront will become a premier destination that represents a positive self-image for the City.
As part of a four part series on the Pawtucket Foundation, the Times outlined the Foundation's riverfront efforts. Click to download the article: A River Runs Through It (pdf).