Electricity returns to Pomham Rocks Lighthouse in East Providence

EAST PROVIDENCE — The "light" should soon once again shine brightly from the Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, the historic structure located off shore in Riverside.

According to Jean Zunda, chair of Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, after a 36 year absence, crews were busy laying cable to return electric power back to the lighthouse late last week into early this week. The construction equipment and barges were set up around the island. The cable itself will lie on the bottom of the Providence River.

Specialty Diving is laying the electric cable and Gilbane Inc. is the construction manager for the project. Joe Estrella, a licensed boat captain, is serving as the liaison for the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse and contracting crews.

The Pomham Rocks Lighthouse has been the subject of much restoration work since the 138-member strong Friends was formed in 2004. The exterior of the lighthouse was restored a number of years ago and the electrical cable is being installed with monies derived from the group's fundraising efforts over the past dozen years.

"We've done a lot of with the work with Abcore Restoration," said Lighthouse historian Dave Kelleher. Abcore of Narragansett has an extensive background of renovating historic landmarks. "Over the years we've fixed the fencing, the docks, the ramps, things like that. And this is a really big thing to have electricity. Watching them lay that cable is something to see. Once we get the electricity in, then we can get the heat working and start thinking about fixing the walls and ceilings."

Future renovations will being funded in part by a Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission State Preservation Grant of $150,000 grant to the Friends received earlier this year. Ms. Zunda credited the organization's lead fundraiser and grant writer Nate Chace with helping secure the grant dollars. The organization must continue its fundraising efforts to match the grant in order to receive the monies. The aim, Mr. Kelleher said, is to hopefully open the lighthouse to the public in the next two to three years.

"Like a lot of things it's been a slow process, but you just have to keep at it, keep at it," Mr. Kellher added. "But I also think we've accomplished a lot more than other lighthouses have done over the last 12 years. Hopefully, with the electricity back it will really be a spark to get the project moving."

For further information or to donate visit pomhamrockslighthouse.org, email pomhamrockslighthouse@yahoo.com or call Ms. Zunda at 401-433-2506.