Plan will create more Rhode Island construction jobs
Posted on June 1, 2015
A new plan from Rhodeworks will create many new Rhode Island construction jobs.
RhodeWorks is a bold action plan to address the state’s crumbling transportation infrastructure.
Rhode Island ranks 50th out of 50 states in overall bridge condition and has lost 1,200 in the construction sector over the past three months. RhodeWorks is focused on solving these two problems at once, with the potential to create about 12,000 job-years over the next decade and make the state a more attractive place for businesses.
“Infrastructure is a critical component of rebuilding our economy and improving our job climate,” said House Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello. “The proposal by Governor Raimondo is an investment in economic development, while getting people to work in the construction trades. Being ranked at the bottom of states with deficient bridges is a disincentive to businesses looking to locate in our state. The House Finance Committee will hold a public hearing and review the details carefully in the weeks ahead.”
“Governor Raimondo is making a very exciting proposal to put in place a system that will repair Rhode Island’s crumbling roads and bridges while reducing long-term costs on taxpayers and motorists,” said Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed. “The Senate looks forward to examining the details of the proposal, including any potential impact on Rhode Island businesses. It is vital to Rhode Island’s economic wellbeing that we invest in our transportation infrastructure. The Governor’s bold action plan aims to put thousands of Rhode Island construction workers back on the job now, while ensuring that roads and bridges are in good repair well into the future.”
“The shabby condition of our highways, roads and bridges is a serious impediment to economic growth that must be addressed quickly and completely,” said Laurie White, president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. “To put the urgency in context, ‘highway accessibility’ ranked as the most important factor to U.S. corporate site selectors in a comprehensive survey by Area Development magazine, up from its second place ranking in the previous year’s study. They note that the availability and condition of roads to, from, around, and away from America’s manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, industrial parks, and office complexes has become a more important economic development issue for the nation. States and communities that make the investments in increasing road infrastructure, and in existing infrastructure, will be in better shape for economic development. Governor Raimondo, Speaker Mattiello and Senate President Paiva Weed are taking on another important mega-issue. The Chamber will provide relevant feedback from the business community on specific costs, impact and implementation.”
