Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today applauded the news that the state of Rhode Island has been awarded $20 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to rebuild the ramps leading to the Pell Bridge from Aquidneck Island. The Pell Bridge, which spans Narragansett Bay to connect Newport and Jamestown, is nearly fifty years old.
“The Pell Bridge is one of Rhode Island’s most iconic structures,” said Whitehouse, who advocated for the grant. “I’m thrilled to help deliver this federal investment to streamline the gateway to Aquidneck Island and Jamestown for residents and visitors.”
The funding from the BUILD Transportation grant program, formerly known as the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program, will support state and local efforts to realign and rebuild the deteriorating ramps on the Newport side of the bridge. The project will improve traffic flow and safety while freeing up acres of land for economic development, including the planned Newport Innovation Hub.
As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Whitehouse has made investing in Rhode Island’s infrastructure one of his top priorities. During the current Congress, Whitehouse has successfully advocated for $20 million to make major improvements to Route 37, in addition to fighting for $26 million in additional federal highway funds for other shovel-ready projects. The National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund created by Whitehouse is distributing approximately $30 million in grants this year to support coastal resiliency and natural infrastructure across the country.
###
