Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline announced Thursday he’ll submit state legislation that aims to clear up a “totally irrational and inexplicable” system in Rhode Island for maintaining major roads in the capital city.
Cicilline explained the state designates certain well-traveled city roads, like Reservoir Avenue and Douglas Avenue in Providence, as “major arterials.” He said the determination for who is responsible for maintaining those roads is “apparently random.”
Beyond Cash Donations: How New Forms of Giving Are Transforming Not-for-Profit Accounting
Evolving Funding Landscape for Not-for-Profits Not-for-profit organizations are being asked to do more with less,…
Learn More
A chart showed that for most municipalities the state funds 100 percent of major arterial maintenance, but a handful are forced to spend a significant amount in local taxes, a press release from the mayor’s office stated. Warwick pays about 6 percent and Newport pays roughly 20 percent. Providence and Pawtucket pay more than 60 percent in local funds, he said.
“Providence has made huge sacrifices to hold the line on property taxes,” said Cicilline. “It is unacceptable for our taxpayers to be on the hook for maintaining 60 percent of our major arteries when nearly every other municipality is getting a full ride for no rational reason whatsoever.”
“Reservoir Avenue is a case in point: From its end at Route 5 in Cranston to the Providence border, it is fully funded and maintained by the state; once you cross into Providence, suddenly, it is a local highway,” he said. “If you’re a Providence taxpayer, you pay for it.”
The legislation, which is being sponsored by senators Frank A. Ciccone and Dominick J. Ruggerio in the Senate, will call for funding the pavement management program; and over a period of five years, (FY-2007 through FY-2011,) gradually phasing-in budgetary responsibility and operation of those principal arterial roadways. Examples of such roads include: Elmwood Avenue, Broad Street, Reservoir Avenue, Waterman Avenue, Angell Street and North Main Street. Responsibilities assumed by the state would include: maintenance, snow plowing, pothole repair and signing.
The bill will be introduced in the respective Houses and forwarded to committees for further action.
