Senate passes Lawson’s bill that adds East Providence to Blackstone Valley tourism district

State House – The Senate tonight passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence) that adds East Providence to the Blackstone Valley tourism district.

“For too long, East Providence has not been included in our state’s regional tourism districts, causing the city to forego the benefits and support of these tourism bodies. With this legislation, this problem will be rectified and East Providence and its residents will be able to finally join the history and beauty of the Blackstone Valley tourism district, while most importantly allowing the city to use collected tourism dollars that we currently are unable to tap without a regional tourism district association,” said Senator Lawson.

The legislation (2021-S 0881) includes East Providence in the Northern Rhode Island regional tourism district. Once East Providence notifies the Rhode Island Division of Taxation and the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council that the city has elected to become a member of the regional tourism district, all funds previously generated in East Providence and held in escrow by the Rhode Island Division of Taxation shall be allocated to the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council to support tourism activities in East Providence.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration where Rep. Gregg Amore (D-Dist. 65, East Providence) has introduced the legislation (2021-H 5361).