WASHINGTON - Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) and U.S. Congressman Jim Langevin (RI-02) applauded the allocation of $20 million in federal funds for improvements on ramps and roadways servicing the Pell Bridge in Newport. Cicilline and Langevin advocated for the funding directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

“This critical funding will meet one of Rhode Island’s most pressing infrastructure needs,” said Cicilline, who represents Aquidneck Island in Congress. “It will strengthen our economy, making it easier to move goods and services and enhancing quality of life across our state. I look forward to seeing this money put to work.”

“As one of our state’s iconic structures, the Pell Bridge serves as a major transportation artery for thousands of Rhode Islanders who travel across Narragansett Bay every day,” said Congressman Langevin. “These federal funds will help state and local officials repair and revitalize the bridge and its on-ramps. This important work will improve safety, relieve congestion, and make way for increased economic development opportunities.”

The funding announced today will support construction to rebuild and improve the layout of the ramps and roadways leading to the Pell Bridge from Aquidneck Island. The money is being provided to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) discretionary grant program. In addition to providing a significant infrastructure investment, the project will open 30 acres of land for redevelopment in the City of Newport. 

Cicilline, who serves in the House Democratic Leadership as Chair of the DPCC, helped craft a $1 trillion infrastructure investment plan that will help create 16 million new, good-paying jobs after it is signed into law.