The City of Newport has been awarded a $3 million grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission to replace aging water and sewer infrastructure and begin major streetscape improvements along Main Street.
The grant represents the maximum award available through NBRC and marks a major step forward for downtown Newport. The investment will help modernize critical underground utilities, improve safety and reliability for residents and businesses, and prepare Main Street for future housing, business growth, and community development.
The project is also an important early step in implementing Newport’s Downtown Master Plan, which was approved by the City Council in December 2024. That plan outlines a long-term vision for a more vibrant, walkable, and economically active downtown.
“This is a transformational moment for Newport,” Mayor Rick Ufford-Chase said in the city’s announcement. “These upgrades are absolutely necessary, and accomplishing those improvements through a grant means we expect to complete them without placing the financial burden on local taxpayers. It’s a huge win for our residents and for our future.”
For downtown property owners and businesses, the project is expected to address long-standing infrastructure challenges while also laying the foundation for new development.
“This project makes a big difference to me as a commercial building owner who has been on Main Street for 25 years,” said Rick Woodward. “Sewer challenges outside our building have been a significant and expensive problem throughout my tenure here. I know that this project is primarily an effort to prepare Main Street for new development, but it will make a big difference to the businesses already doing business here as well.”
City Council members also welcomed the announcement.
“As a longtime resident, I’m grateful that Newport can finally move forward with this needed work,” said Council Member Sharon Parè. “This is a clear indication of the city’s commitment to keep such costs from falling on the people who live here.”
The award follows roughly 18 months of behind-the-scenes work by local volunteers and council members who helped build relationships with advocates across the state.
Newport Downtown Development sees this investment as a meaningful step toward the future residents, businesses, and community members have been working toward: a stronger Main Street, improved public infrastructure, and a downtown that is ready for new opportunities.
Construction planning is expected to begin immediately, with physical construction anticipated in 2027. The city said community updates will be provided throughout the process.