RhodeRestore: RI’s first local roads program

Whether it's Rhode Islanders commuting to work, delivering groceries, transporting students on school buses or responding to emergencies – everyone depends on our local roads. Few issues are as timely or visible as the condition of our local roads, bridges and sidewalks, 80% of which are maintained at the local level. These critical connections are the foundation of our communities, yet for too long, cities and towns have lacked the resources to properly maintain them.

My experience as the executive director of the R.I. League of Cities and Towns and as a former town manager has taught me that, while improving state roads and highways is essential, investing in local infrastructure is crucial for growing our economy and enhancing quality of life across Rhode Island. While recent reports and letters published in these pages and others highlight road conditions based on outdated data, we shouldn’t let that distract from the significant investments Rhode Island has made in recent years.

That’s why we are proud to partner with the McKee administration to address the issues that impact Rhode Island families most directly guided by the governor’s Rhode Island 2030 plan. Together we launched the RhodeRestore program – Rhode Island’s first-ever initiative dedicated to directly funding the construction and repair of municipal roads, bridges and sidewalks across all 39 cities and towns. Through the governor’s investment of $27 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, RhodeRestore has approved over 1,000 projects, improving 673 lane miles of roadways and almost 25 miles of sidewalks. Just as importantly, the program has leveraged $80 million in municipal matching funds, fostering a collaborative and cost-effective approach to modernizing our local infrastructure.

Unlike traditional programs that focus only on state highways, RhodeRestore improves the infrastructure closest to home. Roads that take you to work, sidewalks your children walk to school on and bridges that connect neighborhoods are finally receiving the attention they deserve. This program isn’t just about repairs – it’s about ensuring that every community has the foundation it needs to thrive. The governor, working with the General Assembly and the League of Cities and Towns, is addressing the issues that impact Rhode Island families most directly.

Since its launch last year, RhodeRestore has made a tangible difference. Municipalities across the state have been able to undertake projects that would have otherwise been delayed or shelved. For example, Warwick’s longest municipal road, Jefferson Boulevard, has been completely repaved; the Main Street and Weeden Street bridges in Pawtucket have been restored; Woonsocket is upgrading Highland Corporate Park to attract new businesses; and Providence is improving over 15 sidewalks throughout the capital city. This work is not just about fixing potholes; it’s about creating pathways for opportunity, reducing long-term costs through coordinated planning and fostering a sense of pride in our communities.

With guaranteed funding from the state, municipalities can dedicate more time and resources to thoughtful planning. I’ve heard firsthand in my role at the league that programs like RhodeRestore have motivated communities to modernize transportation improvement plans and expand mapping of local roads, setting the stage for smarter, more efficient infrastructure upgrades.

The success of RhodeRestore is already helping Rhode Island gain national recognition. This year, we climbed twelve spots in CNBC’s infrastructure rankings, a testament to the progress the state is making in modernizing our roads, bridges and sidewalks.

I was thrilled to hear the governor's commitment in the State of the State address to making RhodeRestore permanent. I look forward to collaborating with him and our General Assembly partners to deliver safer, smoother and more sustainable infrastructure for all Rhode Islanders.

Randy R. Rossi is executive director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns