Mayor Cicilline this week led U.S. House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey and Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy on a tour of Providence’s Knowledge District.  The group visited several biotech and life science research facilities to see first-hand how federal investments are leveraging institutional and private investments in Rhode Island to grow jobs.

“With our robust knowledge assets, Providence is bursting with incredible potential in research, technology, and design," said Mayor David N. Cicilline. "A federal investment is crucial to our efforts to accelerate development and create hundreds of jobs at all levels and become a leader in the global knowledge economy."

Congressman Kennedy asked Chairman Obey to visit Rhode Island to learn more about the emerging research enterprise district, called the Knowledge District, and its potential to grow jobs while also fostering new medical and scientific discoveries that can benefit all Americans.  

They visited Rhode Island Hospital’s Coro Center to learn about stem cell biology research funded by an $11 million Nation Institutes of Health (NIH) grant; EpiVax which is exploring ways to speed the development of vaccines for emerging infectious diseases;Brown University’s Laboratory for Molecular Medicine; and Women and Infant’s Kilguss Research Institute, a 25,000 square foot facility dedicated to advancing biomedical research. 

“Chairman Obey has been a tremendous champion for federal investments that will help create jobs and spur our nation’s economic recovery.   By working in a collaborative spirit, we have a unique opportunity in the state to create a research enterprise-industry that will generate more jobs and businesses.   I appreciate that all of the partners in the Knowledge District have found common ground to work together and promote research-driven entrepreneurial activity in the new district.  This joint effort will help to create jobs, diversify our state’s economy, and ultimately help improve the lives of millions Americans through new medical discoveries,” said Kennedy.  Kennedy, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, has secured more than $500 million in federal appropriations for Rhode Island and New England through his position on the committee. 

A growing collaborative partnership driving an expansion of the district's research enterprise includes the City of Providence, Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, Brown University, University of Rhode Island, Lifespan, Women and Infants, Rhode Island School of Design, Johnson & Wales University, Laborers’ International Union of North America, AFL-CIO, Rhode Island Science and Technological Advisory Council, Slater Technology Fund, and Community College Rhode Island.