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SR 784

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $750,000 TO WATERFIRE PROVIDENCE

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 1 co-sponsor

Allocates $750,000 to WaterFire Providence for operational funding in FY 2025-2026 to sustain its programming and support Rhode Island’s cultural and economic impact.

06/20/2025 Senate read and passed
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Bill Summary · SR 784

Summary: Joint Resolution SR 784 — Appropriation to WaterFire Providence

Purpose and intent

SR 784 is a joint resolution to appropriate $750,000 to WaterFire Providence for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The resolution expresses legislative support for WaterFire Providence, a nonprofit arts organization that operates the WaterFire events in downtown Providence, and declares the intent to provide operational funding to sustain these activities and related programs.

Key provisions

  • Amount and purpose: Appropriates $750,000 to WaterFire Providence for operational support for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
  • Source of funds: Out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.
  • Payment mechanism: The state controller is authorized to draw orders upon the general treasurer for payment of the appropriation, or as much as is needed, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers.
  • Nature of the bill: A joint resolution (non-binding in the sense of creating new law) that authorizes funding and expresses the state's support for WaterFire Providence and its programming.

Background and justification

WaterFire Providence is described as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization that has contributed to Providence’s economy, tourism, and cultural vitality for about three decades. The resolution highlights:
- Significant tourism impact, with WaterFire attracting nearly one million visitors annually.
- Economic contributions, including an Army Corps of Engineers study showing $151,305,940 in annual economic output (2023, inflation-adjusted) and over $11.9 million in direct state tax revenue (2023, inflation-adjusted), along with about 1,300 local jobs.
- Cultural and urban revitalization benefits, including the event’s role in nighttime economy, hotel occupancy dynamics, and branding as a top creative economy asset.
- WaterFire’s ongoing investments in arts programming, including the WaterFire Arts Center (former Valley Street property acquired in 2012 and opened in 2017), and initiatives like ArtLab@WaterFire and the WaterFire Accelerate program to support artists and youth in Rhode Island.

Affected parties

  • WaterFire Providence (recipient of the appropriation and primary beneficiary).
  • Rhode Island’s tourism, hospitality sector, and creative economy.
  • State budget and general treasury, which would fund the appropriation.

Procedural and timeline highlights

  • Introduced: March 14, 2025 (Senators Bissaillon and Mack).
  • Referred to Senate Finance: March 2025.
  • Committee action: Legislative Finance/Finance oversight processes with recommendations; scheduled and considered in May–June 2025.
  • Senate action: Read and passed by the Senate on June 20, 2025.
  • Current status: As of the latest record, passed by the Senate; House status not provided in the summary.

Fiscal impact

  • One-time/annual appropriation of $750,000 for FY 2025-2026.
  • Funds would be disbursed upon voucher authentication, per standard state payment procedures.

This SR 784 reflects the Legislature’s view of WaterFire Providence as a significant cultural and economic asset and provides targeted operational support to sustain its programming and impact.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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