Councilman Nicholas J. Narducci, Jr., Ward 4, urged the state to devote funds normally spent on state roads to cities and towns to repair local roadways. In a letter to RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis, Councilman Narducci observed that the State of Rhode Island is slated to receive $137 million for roadway and bridge repairs under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

“That’s the good news.  Unfortunately, it appears that little to none of these funds will be earmarked for local road repairs. That’s the bad news,” said Councilman Narducci. 

“While I am pleased that Rhode Island is receiving this amount of money, like many local elected officials, I am disappointed that none of it will make its way to my community for neighborhood roads,” Councilman Narducci stated.

Because the state is receiving additional funds for infrastructure repairs that can only be used on roads in the federal system, and recognizing the financial challenges facing Rhode Island’s cities and towns, the councilman believes it is only fair that the state allocate funds to repair local roads.

Narducci concluded, “I know that I speak for my constituents, who were hopeful that these federal funds would be available to repair aged roads in our community.”

Copies of his letter were sent to Mayor David Cicilline, the City Council and the General Assembly’s Providence delegation.