After a failed attempt to cut $27 million from the Transportation Alternatives Program earlier this year, Rhode Island's Department of Transportation is now seeking to transfer $37.47 million away from current and future bike-related projects over the course of 10 years. RIDOT is proposing this move despite having recently received $358 million in new funding for roads and bridges.
If adopted, Major Amendment #19 would postpone the Trestle Trail paving in Coventry indefinitely, delay and cut spending to the O’Neill Bike Path extension, and drop several Green Economy Bond projects off of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, making then much harder to track. Click for details on Rhode Island's STIP Revision #19 – Proposed Major Amendment.
Finally, and most egregiously, RIDOT’s Major Amendment #19 seeks to divert monies earmarked for implementing the Bike Mobility Plan, which is awaiting final approval by the Governor. This means that bicycle and pedestrian projects recommended by residents in a robust public process across the state will be prevented.
Make your voice heard by contacting the Governor's office via phone or email or by attending one of two public hearings later this month. Details are below on how you can make a difference!
What you can do
1. Send an email
Write to Michael D’Alessandro, secretary of the Transportation Advisory Committee by Thursday, August 22: Michael.DAlessandro@doa.ri.gov
You can share your name, your Rhode Island address, and that you oppose Major Amendment #19 of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, which would shift $37.47 million away from the Transportation Alternatives Program.
You could add that taking funding away from the bike and walk projects risks the safety, health, and well-being of all Rhode Islanders, and/or name any of the local projects that you don't want to see cancelled or delayed.
2. Make a phone call
Call Governor Gina Raimondo's office, 401-222-2080.
You'll need to give your name, where in Rhode Island you live, and that you oppose Major Amendment #19 of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, which would shift $37.47 million away from the Transportation Alternatives Program.
You could add that taking funding away from the bike and walk projects risks the safety, health, and well-being of all Rhode Islanders.
3. Attend a public hearing
The Transportation Advisory Committee will accept public comments on the proposed Major Amendment #19 and Transportation Conformity Determination Report for the 1997 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) as it relates to RIDOT’s proposed Major Amendment #19 at two public hearings scheduled for:
Tuesday, August 13, 5 p.m. Narragansett Town Hall 25 Fifth Avenue, Narragansett, RI Council Chambers
Thursday, August 15, 4 p.m. RI Department of Administration One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI Conference Room 2A, 2nd Floor
All persons may present their views on this Major Amendment in person or through a representative at the TAC public hearings referenced above. Written statements may also be filed with the Secretary of the Transportation Advisory Committee and mailed to Michael D’Alessandro, RIDOA, Division of Statewide Planning, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908 or email to Michael DAlessandro (Michael.DAlessandro@doa.ri.gov). All comments on the STIP Amendment must be received prior to 3:30 pm on August 22, 2019.
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