The U.S. House and Senate have approved the Transportation Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2001 – a bill that includes provisions that will fund several major projects in Rhode Island. Those projects include:
Freight Rail — $17 million: Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation – led by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed – has been working since 1991 to get a new freight rail line in the state, because improvements and expansions by Amtrak into electrification have put into jeopardy, freight rail service in this state. The added line is also seen as critical as the state looks to develop the former Navy base at Quonset Point/Davisville as an international shipping port. “The ability to ship materials and products by freight rail is critically important to the survival and growth of Rhode Island’s industry and the overall economic health of our state,” said Reed. “The investment in the rail project means a stronger economy and more jobs” To date, Rhode Island’s congressional delegation has secured $55 million for freight rail improvements.”
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New Buses for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority — $4 million: Funds for RIPTA will go toward the purchase of new replacement buses. The average age of RIPTA’s current fleet is over 10 years. The industry standard for bus replacement is 12 years. RIPTA will also receive $1 million for its “Welfare to Work Jobs Access Program.” That money will be used by the agency to improve access to jobs in suburban and urban areas.
Pawtucket Commuter Train Layover Facility — $500,000: The money will pay for the construction of a commuter rail layover facility that is needed to expand commuter rail service between Providence and Boston. It is estimated that 1,700 Rhode Islanders use the MBTA commuter rail service to Boston each day – 400 to 500 boarding the trains in Providence, 1,200 boarding the trains in Attleboro or South Attleboro.
Route I-195 and Washington Street Bridge Improvements — $16 million: Congressman Patrick Kennedy requested an additional $6 million to an existing $10 million bill designed to upgrade Route I-195. The additional $6 million will be used for the repair of the Washington Street Bridge in Providence.
The appropriations bill also includes $500,000 for the development of an Intelligent Traffic System for RIPTA for Aquidneck Island and $500,000 for improvements to the Providence and Newport Ferry Service.
