2022 -- H 7663

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LC005266

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $300,000 FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN

ACT FUNDS FOR THE BLACKSTONE VALLEY TOURISM COUNCIL

     Introduced By: Representatives Giraldo, McLaughlin, and Alzate

     Date Introduced: March 02, 2022

     Referred To: House Finance

     WHEREAS, The funding provided under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

"provides a unique opportunity for state and local governments to make strategic investments in

long-lived assets, rebuild reserves to enhance financial stability, and cover temporary operating

shortfalls until economic conditions and operations normalize"; and

     WHEREAS, Since its creation in 1985, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council has been

a leader in transforming Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley into an internationally-recognized

visitor destination. The Blackstone Valley is a strong, vibrant region for visitors and residents

alike by working in conjunction with local communities, state and federal governments, and like-

minded nonprofits and businesses. Furthermore, the Council has not only increased the number of

visitors and enhanced their experiences, but also has strengthened the region’s economy, created

a stronger, cleaner environment, and improved the quality of life for Blackstone Valley residents;

and

     WHEREAS, The Tourism Council has received numerous international, national, state

and local awards in recognition for their efforts to build up the region including the “Tourism for

Tomorrow Destination Award” from the World Travel & Tourism Council, the “North American

Travel Personality of the Year Award” from the World Travel Awards and the “SBEST

Certification of Excellence” from the United Nations World Tourism Organization; and

     WHEREAS, With the development and launch of the new Pawtucket Central Falls

commuter rail station, it is critical to launch a marketing and tourism strategy that targets the

strengths of the cities of Pawtucket and Central Falls; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money from the American

Rescue Plan Act in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2022-2023, the sum

of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) to the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council for

marketing the new Pawtucket Central Falls commuter rail station; and the state controller is

hereby authorized and directed to draw his orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of

said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon receipt of properly

authenticated vouchers.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $300,000 FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN

ACT FUNDS FOR THE BLACKSTONE VALLEY TOURISM COUNCIL

***

     This joint resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of three hundred

thousand dollars ($300,000) to the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.

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