Politics & Government

Commission To Present Study Findings For Funding East Bay Bridges

The Special Legislative Commission to Study the Funding for East Bay Bridges will meet Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 4 p.m. in Room 35 of the State House.

The Special Legislative Commission to Study the Funding for East Bay Bridges will meet Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 4 p.m. in Room 35 of the State House. 

Commission members will have the opportunity to present personal statements they submitted for inclusion in the report regarding alternative funding for bridges and infrastructure in Rhode Island

Under legislation passed last year, the panel was asked to report its findings by this Wednesday, Jan. 15.  Those findings will also be reviewed.

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The commission, co-chaired by Rep. Helio Melo (D-Dist. 64, East Providence) and Sen. Daniel Da Ponte (D-Dist. 14, East Providence), was established during the 2013 legislative session to allow lawmakers and state officials an opportunity to investigate all types of equitable and reliable funding mechanisms and strategies to support Rhode Island’s bridges.

Last year, the legislature approved the transfer of the Sakonnet River Bridge's ownership to the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA), who then authorized a 10-cent toll on the bridge which spans Tiverton and Portsmouth. 

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The 10-cent toll cap will be in effect until April 1, 2014.

Members of the public can find additional information and video of the commission’s previous hearings at Webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/bridgefunding.


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