This bill allocates $250,000 to 401 Tech Bridge to study and explore the potential of seagliders in Rhode Island. The funds are designated for a feasibility study conducted in partnership with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative to assess how these electric, wing-in-ground-effect vehicles could operate within the state's coastal areas. The resolution aims to evaluate whether seagliders can support local economic goals, such as reducing carbon emissions and improving transportation options, without making any guarantees about their future implementation.
This Senate Resolution officially designates the week of May 17 to May 23, 2026, as "National Public Works Week" within the State of Rhode Island. The measure aims to raise awareness about the essential services provided by public works professionals, such as road construction, bridge maintenance, and water system management. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the American Public Works Association to align with their national observance. This bill is a commemorative action that does not alter laws or create new funding, but rather recognizes the contributions of workers in the public works sector.
Authorizes the city of Pawtucket to issue not more than $2,000,000 general obligation bonds and notes to finance the construction, reconstruction, repair and equipping of bridges.
This bill designates a specific bridge in Providence, Rhode Island, as the "George Nee Bridge." It directly affects the state's transportation infrastructure by officially naming the structure where U.S. Route 44 crosses over Interstate 95. The key provision requires that signs displaying the new name be installed using private funds, with their design and placement approved by the state Department of Transportation. Once passed, the act will take effect immediately to formalize this permanent name change.
This bill appropriates $1,000,000 to 401 Tech Bridge to study and explore the use of seagliders in Rhode Island. The funding is intended to support a feasibility study that will assess how these electric, wing-in-ground-effect vehicles could operate in the state's maritime environment. The money will be used in partnership with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative to evaluate potential benefits for transportation, economic development, and environmental sustainability. This resolution directly affects 401 Tech Bridge and the organizations involved in the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative by authorizing the expenditure of state funds for this research project.
This bill creates the Crook Point Bridge Authority, an independent public organization dedicated to maintaining the Crook Point Bascule Bridge and related property in Providence. The authority will be governed by a three-person board appointed by the mayor with city council approval, who manage the bridge's preservation, improvements, and redevelopment without receiving personal compensation. The new authority has the power to enter contracts, manage finances, and issue its own debt, which is legally separate from the city and state and exempt from state taxes.
Directs the RITBA design a safety barrier or netting system on the several bridges within its authority. Any newly constructed bridges with a deck height of over one hundred feet (100 ft) would be required to have safety barriers of safety netting.
SB 2541 repeals the legal authority allowing the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority to collect tolls on state roads and bridges. This directly affects the Authority and drivers using the Newport Bridge, Mount Hope Bridge, Sakonnet River Bridge, Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge, and the turnpike. The bill removes the provision that permitted the Authority to "fix and revise... tolls for transit" over these facilities, ending the legal basis for toll collection. The change would require the Authority to operate these infrastructure projects without toll revenue, shifting funding mechanisms. No new tolls or changes to existing toll rates are involved - only the repeal of the underlying authorization.
Requires notice to E-ZPass users before DMV reporting, and set rules and regulations for transponder failures, requires outreach and free replacements, and allow mitigation or forgiveness of tolls and penalties from equipment failures.
HB 7671 amends Rhode Island's vehicle size, weight, and load regulations to update existing rules for commercial and specialized vehicles. It increases the maximum length for most vehicles from 40 feet to 45 feet, adds specific exemptions for natural gas vehicles (accounting for fuel system weight differences), and clarifies exemptions for articulated public transit buses, farm equipment, and emergency vehicles. The bill also updates penalty structures, including $200 per foot for overlength violations and $125 per 100 pounds overweight for axle or bridge weight limits. These changes directly affect commercial truck drivers, farmers transporting equipment, public transit operators, and emergency services. The amendments maintain existing safety standards while adjusting technical parameters for modern vehicle types.
