BRISTOL, R.I. -- The Town of Bristol's plan to turn the downtown Naval Reserve Armory into a municipal maritime center is getting a major boost from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in the form of an $861,000 boating infrastructure grant.
On Monday, Sen. Jack Reed; Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Director Janet Coit and Bristol officials will outline new plans to lure more boaters and anglers to Bristol and help boost the local economy.
The town wants to renovate the historic Naval Reserve Armory to serve as a public maritime center for the benefit of visiting boaters. The facility will feature amenities such as laundry, restrooms with showers, storage, common areas to socialize and information about downtown shops and restaurants.
In addition to the maritime center, the project also includes installation of 16 additional transient moorings, and a dingy dock with fresh water for eligible boaters.
"It is important to help cities and towns across Rhode Island capitalize on their assets and one of Bristol's great attractions is our beautiful waterfront," Reed said. "Turning the Naval Reserve Armory into a municipal maritime center will ensure that visitors and local boaters have access to high-quality facilities."