The current plan for Kennedy Plaza, developed by the DOT, would shift a majority of the bus stops now in Kennedy Plaza to newly created hubs at the Providence Train Station and on Dyer Street in the Jewelry District.
Longtime board member Wayne Kezirian will head up the animal welfare agency going forward.
Kezirian has been a part of the RISPCA for over two decades and says he’s excited to continue all the good they’ve done for the last 150 years.
He takes over for Joe Warzycha who left in October.
The Society said Kezirian has had significant non-profit leadership experience. He has previously chaired the boards of the Travelers Aid Society of Rhode Island (now known as Crossroads), McAuley Corporation and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.
“I am excited to have an opportunity to apply my experience and skills in support of the mission of the RISPCA,” said Kezirian. “I am particularly interested in expanding the Society’s outreach to low and moderate-income pet owners and I hope that my work will make it possible for more children and families to experience the joys of pet ownership.”
But the funding for functions, such as transportation, could allow states to redirect funds to other areas of the budget.
The additional funding for Rhode Island transportation includes $60 million to pay for bridge projects and $54 million in highway aid to offset declines in gas tax collections during the pandemic, according to a breakdown from Reed s office. Reed is the ranking Democrat on the appropriations committee for housing and transportation.
On Monday Gov. Gina Raimondo passed a state budget that includes asking voters to approve $72 million in borrowing for highways.
The new spending bill also includes $5.5 million for T.F. Green Airport, including $420,000 for rent relief for concessions vendors hurt by the drop in air passengers.