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FREE,Fall River Energy Enterprise Captures City Imagination

What is FREE?
FREE is an acronym for Fall River Energy Enterprise. This vision plan provides Fall River, Massachusetts with a direction for economic revitalization with renewable energy projects and adaptive reuse of historic mills. The plan is designed to position Fall River, Mass. as a regional leader in renewable energy, attract new business and create jobs, as well as make the city greener and less dependent on fossil fuels. Click HERE for more details.

Who is sponsoring FREE?
FREE is a collaborative effort led by Mayor Robert Correia, the Fall River Office of Economic Development, and Newport Collaborative Architects, Inc.

Why Fall River?
During the Industrial Revolution Fall River, Mass. was hailed as the textile capital of the world. The city's prosperity was attributed to its premier location on the northeast transportation corridor, abundant water sources, efficient mills and skilled workforce. Today, the natural resources, man-made infrastructure, and workforce remain intact and the city is ideally suited for the research, development and manufacturing of renewable energy.

What is FREE's Action Plan?
FREE is an initiative that will make Fall River, become a regional leader in renewable energy. The vision plan will reclaim renewable energy, promote public and private development and allow public access to Fall River's waterfront.

Some specific benefits FREE will bring to the city:

• Restore hydro power source and create a new crescent-shaped dam and waterfall.
• Offer renewable power and form an Enterprise Zone along Interstate 195 from Wattuppa Pond to Narraganset Bay.
• Daylight the Quequechan River for new riverfront development.
• Encourage repurposing of existing mill structures for new industry research and development.
• Connect neighborhoods to the waterfront and revitalize parcels from Battleship Cove to Point Gloria by replacing elevated Route 79 structure with waterfront esplanade and tree-lined boulevard.
• Select locations throughout the city for wind turbines.
• Create wharves as tidal energy generating platforms for new development.
• Link south facing rooftops to create model solar-powered energy network.
• Increased revenues to the city as a result of adaptive mill reuse.
• Lower energy costs to operate city buildings.
• Clean green collar jobs through renewable sources of energy.

Get Involved in the FREE Initiative
Mayor Correia appointed Alan Amaral, local businessman, Attorney, and President of the Fall River Office of Economic Development, as the Chairman of the Fall River Energy Enterprise Task Force. Those interested in serving on the Task Force should e-mail a letter of interest and resume to info@froed.org.