Cicilline Successfully Fights for Nearly $20 Million in New Funding for Rhode Island Road Improvements in House-Passed Infrastructure Bill
INVEST in America Act creates millions of full-time, good-paying jobs modernizing, rebuilding roads, bridges, transit, rail, and water systems
WASHINGTON – Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01) successfully fought for federal resources for four Rhode Island infrastructure projects in the INVEST in America Act, which the House passed today.
“I’m proud to have secured nearly $20 million in funding for high-priority infrastructure projects in Rhode Island,” Cicilline said. “America’s infrastructure has been stuck in the 1950s, but it doesn’t have to be. The INVEST in America Act will help create millions of good-paying jobs and support U.S. manufacturing. It will also put our country on a path toward zero emissions in the transportation sector by providing historic investments in transit, rail, electric vehicle charging, and alternative modes of transportation. With this bill, we are on the right track to creating economic opportunity for all in the 21st century and beyond.”
Included in the INVEST in America Act is $19.76 million in funding for four Member Designated Projects in Rhode Island. Cicilline secured the following investments through the House’s Community Project Funding initiative that allows Members to request money be appropriated for specific projects in their districts:
- East Main Road – Safe Shared-Use Path
- Location: East Main Rd. (Union to Sandy Point Ave.) in Portsmouth
- Funding Amount: $240,000
- Project Sponsor: Rhode Island Department of Transportation
- Description: This project proposes to build an important half-mile section of a shared-use path along East Main Road (RT 138) between Union and Sandy Point Avenues in Portsmouth, RI. It is part of a longer path that is on the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) since it was ratified in 2017. The project promotes safety, healthy recreation, environmental protection, and the local economy.
- Hope and Main Street Sidewalk Replacement
- Location: Main Street in Warren and Bristol
- Funding Amount: $8 million
- Project Sponsor: Rhode Island Department of Transportation
- Description: This project will enhance pedestrian access to historic and scenic downtown districts, the East Bay Bike Path, and multiple state and local parks along the route by repairing and replacing existing sidewalks. These improvements will retain the historic character of these neighborhoods while creating streets that are more accessible to pedestrians and all road users. The Bristol section of the limits, from Washington Street to the Warren Town Line, is a component of the recently designated Revolutionary Heritage Byway on the list of National Scenic Byways.
- Pawtucket Avenue Paving and Sidewalk Replacement
- Location: Pawtucket Ave. (Veteran’s Memorial Pkwy. to Waterman Ave.), East Providence
- Funding Amount: $5.6 million
- Project Sponsor: Rhode Island Department of Transportation
- Description: This busy route to schools, shopping centers, and residential living centers will be paved and sidewalks replaced, including sidewalks used by students walking to nearby East Providence High School and the Bayside Stadium. The road is an important connector for many city residents and serves as a main artery to nearby I-195.
- RT-114, Wampanoag Trail Resurfacing
- Location: RT-114, Wampanoag Trail (East Shore Exp. to Federal Rd.), in Barrington and East Providence
- Funding Amount: $5.92 million
- Project Sponsor: Rhode Island Department of Transportation
- Description: The project involves resurfacing to the roadway, complete sidewalk replacement, and ADA curb ramp installation. Benefits include a complete streets approach to the pavement project, offering more amenities to all road users.
This year, the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T & I) Committee accepted funding requests – formally called Member Designated Project Requests (MDPs) – from House members for important transportation and infrastructure projects in their Congressional Districts. Cicilline worked closely with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, which recommended eligible priority projects from the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP).
Also included in the INVEST Act was Congressman Cicilline’s Amendment to provide $39 million in annual funding for the National Scenic Byways Program. This will allow the Secretary of Transportation to designate new National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads and allow already designated roads, including the Revolutionary Heritage Byway in Bristol, Rhode Island to apply for competitive grants.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
