McKee launches new municipal road reconstruction program

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Gov. Dan McKee was joined by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and several state and municipal leaders Wednesday to announce the launch of the application process for the #RIReady Municipal Road Fund Program.

The program will make $20 million available to fund important road, bridge, and sidewalk projects on locally maintained city and town roads.

$5 million of the funding will be distributed evenly among all municipalities in the state, while the remaining $15 million will be distributed proportionally to municipalities based on the miles of roads in each community.

McKee said that about 80 percent of roads in the state are maintained by municipalities, and that upgrading roadways and sidewalks across the state will increase safety, meet the growing infrastructure needs of increased housing development, and support the growth of businesses.

“This program is a huge win for Rhode Island, taking $20 million in federal funds and leveraging those dollars into $60 million for local infrastructure repairs,” he said.

Municipalities can apply for grant money on the RIDOT website. Applications are open until Oct. 15.