$50 million boost for Rhode Island bridges

US Senator Jack Reed announced an extra $50 million to boost much needed Rhode Island bridge improvements and repairs. These funds will also support job creation and improving of infrastructure.

Reed notes his leadership post on the Appropriations Committee for paying major dividends for Rhode Island by directing millions in additional federal funding to address the state’s priorities. 

Today, the U.S. Senate voted 71-23 to advance a major appropriations package and send it to the President to be signed into law.

Senator Reed, the Ranking Member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the THUD appropriations bill he co-authored with Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME), and helped shepherd through a divided Congress, includes over $700 million in federal funding for Ocean State transportation, housing, and economic development programs.  Notably, Reed successfully secured $50 million in federal assistance for bridge repair and replacement projects in Rhode Island. 

“This appropriations package will help improve Rhode Island’s infrastructure and makes critical investments in highways, bridges, airports, public housing, and other public assets that benefit citizens and businesses alike.  This bill will put people to work upgrading our infrastructure.  It will enhance safety, reduce congestion, and help the state attract private investment to drive our economy forward,” said Senator Reed. 

Overall, the fiscal year 2020 THUD bill provides $74.27 billion in appropriated budget authority – $3.2 billion more than fiscal year 2019 – rejecting the Trump Administration’s proposal to cut more than $15.8 billion from critical public safety, affordable housing, community development, and infrastructure programs.

Rhode Island will receive a significant boost in transportation, housing, and economic development funding.  Reed says the state should receive an estimated $296 million for roads and bridges and over $44 million for public transportation.

“This bipartisan bill provides critical investments to improve our transportation and housing infrastructure and connect more Americans to jobs and opportunities,” said Senator Reed.  “Improving our roads, bridges, and public transportation is a smart investment that better serves all Americans.  This bill will help reduce congestion while boosting economic growth, expanding commerce, and enhancing safety and mobility.”

A 2019 report by TRIP, a nonprofit transportation research group, estimates that driving on roads in need of repair costs Rhode Island motorists $620 million a year in extra vehicle repairs and operating expenses – $823 per motorist.

Highlighting the high percentage of deficient bridges in Rhode Island, Reed stated: “The wear and tear on our bridges is real.  For too long they’ve been neglected and we simply can’t afford to delay needed repairs.  RIDOT is taking needed steps to fix the state’s deficient bridges.  This bill provides a $50 million boost to support that effort.”