Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 865 - I-195 Commission

The Rhode Island Code of Regulations, Title 865, pertains to the I-195 Commission. This commission, officially known as the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission, plays a crucial role in the economic development of downtown Providence, Rhode Island.

Here's a breakdown of its purpose, responsibilities, and relevant regulations:

Purpose of the I-195 Commission:

The I-195 Redevelopment District Commission was established to manage and oversee the redevelopment of land made available in downtown Providence after the relocation of Interstate 195. This relocation freed up significant acreage (originally around 26 acres, with 19 acres slated for redevelopment and 7 for open space) that was previously occupied by the highway.

The core mission of the Commission is to:

Foster economic development: Attract investment and create job opportunities on the former I-195 land and in surrounding areas.

Encourage high-value users: Promote the construction of well-designed structures that enhance the value of surrounding neighborhoods.

Unify previously divided areas: Help knit together parts of the city that were separated by the highway.

Create a thriving innovation district and neighborhood: Focus on life sciences, research and development, and other high-technology sectors, while also including residential and mixed-use developments.

Key Responsibilities of the I-195 Commission:

The Commission's responsibilities include:

Sale, marketing, and oversight of the land: Managing the disposition of the parcels to developers.

Administering the I-195 Redevelopment Project Fund: This fund is used for various purposes, including:

Contributing to capital investments for anchor institutions or catalytic projects.

Filling project financing gaps for other real estate projects.

Land acquisition.

Financing public infrastructure and facilities to support or enhance development.

Reviewing and approving development proposals: Evaluating proposals based on economic impact, design, and alignment with the Commission's goals.

Collaborating with other agencies: Working with city and state departments to ensure consistent development and planning.

Establishing rules and guidelines: Setting forth principles, policies, and practices for financing projects and overall redevelopment.

Relevant Regulations (Title 865 - I-195 Commission):

Within the Rhode Island Code of Regulations, Title 865 specifically addresses the I-195 Commission. A significant part of these regulations can be found in Chapter 10 - Administrative, particularly Part 1, titled "Rules and Regulations for the I-195 Redevelopment Project Fund (865-RICR-10-00-1)."

These rules elaborate on:

Eligibility criteria: What types of projects and applicants can receive financing from the I-195 Fund.

Application protocols: The process for submitting requests for financing.

Review criteria and procedures: How the Commission evaluates proposals, including financial viability, catalytic impact, and alignment with economic development goals.

Requirements for financing agreements: The terms and conditions for disbursing funds to grantees.

Definitions: Clarifying terms like "Capital Investment," "Applicant," "Developer," and "I-195 Land."

It's important to note that while Justia and other legal resources provide access to these regulations, they may not always be the most recent version. It's always advisable to check official Rhode Island government sources for the most current and accurate information.

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