WASHINGTON, DC -- Two years after U.S. Senator Jack Reed helped pass the landmark Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which President Biden signed on November 15, 2021, this historic legislation continues to deliver necessary infrastructure funding for Rhode Island. 

To date, Rhode Island, along with cities, towns, and municipal entities have netted $1.8 billion from the law to finance infrastructure improvements across the state.  The federal funds are enhancing the state’s transportation network, as well as public transit, passenger and freight rail, ports, and airports.

This historic level of investment, which includes about $1.4 billion that has already been announced for transportation upgrades – to invest in 49 specific projects, including roads, bridges, public transit, ports and airports – and another $158 million that has been announced for clean water and water system improvements. 

Additionally, the state has already started tapping into $108.7 million to connect more Rhode Islanders to reliable high-speed internet and, as of today, more than 79,000 Rhode Island households are already saving on their monthly internet bills thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The federal funds are also being put to work to modernize Rhode Island’s electric grid, reduce pollution, replace lead pipes, and build a cleaner energy future.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure law kick started $1.8 billion in infrastructure upgrades across Rhode Island to benefit people, communities, and our economy.  Soon, more projects will be added, more jobs will be created, and more lasting improvements will be made to our roads, bridges, water systems, and broadband networks.  These federal funds are being put to work on an array of innovative projects to make lasting infrastructure investments,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD). “This law is having a positive impact and it’s just getting started in terms of creating jobs, easing congestion, reducing pollution, strengthening our economy and better connecting people and communities.”

Based on formula funding alone, Rhode Island is expected to receive over $1.8 billion over five years in federal funding for highways and bridges and to help improve road safety, reduce congestion and vehicle emissions, help Americans save fuel, and pave the way for new innovations and investments.  Senator Reed estimates that when the law is fully implemented, Rhode Island will also receive $292 million for mass-transit; $45 million for airports; and $23 million for new electric vehicle charging stations. 

In addition to federal formula funds that will go directly to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC), and other state entities, Senator Reed noted that Rhode Island can apply for billions in available competitive funding provided under the law. Rhode Island has already seen significant success in applying for competitive funds, securing an additional $82.5 million in transportation funding under the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects (INFRA) program, a supplemental $55.2 million through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program, and nearly $15 million for clean public transit and school buses and the related infrastructure.  

Additionally, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has already invested $57 million for Rhode Island’s lead pipe and service line replacement, with another $39 million for safe drinking water investments that can also support lead pipe replacement.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed the U.S. Senate on August 10, 2021 by a vote of 69-30.  It cleared the U.S. House of Representatives on November 5, 2021, when it passed by a vote of 228-206.