Tuesday, November 4
Mayor Brett P. Smiley today joined Council President Rachel Miller, Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Patricia Coyne-Fague and Executive Director of Providence Public Buildings Authority Nicole Pollock today to host a groundbreaking ceremony for the City’s new Department of Public Works complex. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as the central hub for highway, fleet and emergency operations, improving Providence’s ability to plow snow, maintain streets, clean sewers, construct sidewalks and respond to emergencies year-round.
“This new Department of Public Works complex represents a significant, long overdue investment in Providence’s future,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “Fully electric and carbon neutral, this new complex advances our city’s sustainability goals while providing a safe, state of the art workspace for our crews. With this facility, our teams will be better equipped to carry out the essential services that keep Providence safe and functioning year-round. It’s an investment in the services that support and improve the quality-of-life of every Providence neighbor.”
The complex will be fully electric, supplemented by solar panels and a battery storage system and compliant with the City’s decarbonization ordinance. It will advance Providence’s broader carbon reduction goals while providing a safe, modern workspace for DPW employees to deliver essential services and quality-of-life support for decades to come.
“Providence residents depend on the dedicated crews of the Department of Public Works who maintain our streets, sewers and public spaces,” said Majority Leader Pedro J. Espinal. “With an investment of $31 million in CIP funds, this new building was designed to meet the needs of staff and residents while prioritizing our city’s carbon-neutral goals. These essential city services will now be even more centralized, efficient and reliable for all of our neighborhoods.”
The complex will include new and expanded working bays for the Maintenance division to repair Public Works and city vehicles, as well as new crew quarters with locker rooms, break rooms and office spaces for the Sewer, Highway and Maintenance divisions. The site will feature vehicle-rated surfacing with improved circulation patterns, secured entry points, cameras for safety and security and a new transfer station with improved access.
“The Providence Public Buildings Authority is honored to help make the new DPW complex a reality,” said Executive Director of Providence Public Buildings Authority Nicole Pollock. “This investment strengthens the city’s infrastructure and reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship and better service for all Providence residents.”
Completion of the new DPW facility is expected in early 2027.