About RI Ready
Let’s Get Started.
The RI Ready program is a statewide industrial site readiness initiative designed to prepare sites to achieve pre-permitted status. This program will provide access to an array of “wrap around” services designed to create an inventory of pre-permitted properties ready for industrial development throughout the State.
With the support of their host city or town, representatives of eligible projects will work with state agencies and other regulators to become “RI READY”. State investment will be recaptured to the extent possible to make the initiative self-sustaining and extend the life of RI Ready funds.
Pathway to GREEN
At-a-Glance: Some of the many services facilitated by the RI READY Program.
Enrollment
A streamlined application to evaluate site potential and formally enroll qualifying properties in the program.
Technical Assistance
Engineering, environmental, and permitting expertise coordinated across state and municipal partners.
Capital Investment
Access to $40M in bond funding for infrastructure, remediation, and site preparation work.
Wrap-Around Services
Coordinated support across permitting, planning, marketing, and workforce alignment.
Administration and management of RI READY will be performed by Quonset Development Corporation staff. All decision-making authority rests with the Quonset Development Corporation Board of Directors.
PATHWAY TO GREEN will be the model for RI READY, with each step on the pathway represented by the colors
RED, ORANGE, YELLOW, and GREEN. Each application will begin in the RED step on the Pathway and will be evaluated for Program enrollment. GREEN indicates the site is pre-permitted, fully engineered and ready to accommodate or support industrial or offshore wind business activity.
Recommendations to the Quonset Development Corporation Board on Project enrollment will be based on compliance with the requirements in state law, supported by site information and input from municipal officials.
Wrap-around services will be provided by State agencies to projects that are enrolled in RI READY. Services may include providing workforce development, expedited permit review, identification of state agency liaisons and facilitating discussions regarding economic incentives. (Note: Neither RI Ready nor the QDC has the power under state law to expedite permits or authorize economic incentives.)
Investments may be made with RI Ready funds to physically improve a site or off-site infrastructure to support industrial development. The QDC and the site sponsors will enter into a RHODE ISLAND BENEFITS AGREEMENT designed to maximize the benefits of the State investment.
Is your site a fit for RI Ready?
Most Rhode Island industrial properties with real development potential can qualify. Review the checklist below — if you meet these criteria, we encourage you to apply.
- Sites that will allow for upgraded or improved infrastructure in support of an industrial use.
- Sites that will allow an existing industrial use or facility to expand significantly.
- Sites that are approximately 10 acres in size (or are capable of supporting an approximately 100,000 square foot building) and are:
- Zoned for industrial or off-shore wind support uses
- Are within one mile of a designated State Highway.
The RI Ready Process
A guided four-step path from initial review to development-ready.
Initial Review
Site is evaluated against baseline eligibility.
Assessment
Engineering, environmental, and permitting review.
Site Preparation
Infrastructure, remediation, and permitting work.
Development-Ready
Site is pre-permitted and ready to build.
Prepare Your Site for What Comes Next
Your industrial property may have the potential to support new development, business expansion, and long-term economic growth. RI Ready can help you understand the requirements, address development barriers, and move your site toward pre-permitted status.