Rhode Island Construction Jobs Created by ARRA
Posted on March 10, 2009
The recently-passed federal economic stimulus plan will help create Rhode Island construction jobs.
Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Rhode Island will receive $138 million in direct funding, which will support 50 transportation and infrastructure projects throughout the state. The projects are expected to create 1,500 direct jobs and 3,500 indirect jobs.
These projects will be completed in conjunction with the replacement of the Pawtucket River Bridge, which was scheduled to go to construction in 2009. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is expecting to receive authorization this week from the Federal Highway Administration for $25.9 million. That money will help fund 15 projects, which are scheduled to begin in April.
These funds will further our ongoing efforts to improve Rhode Islands infrastructure and support a strong economic development foundation, Gov. Donald L. Carcieri said in a press release. Not only will this enhance our states transportation system, but it will also put Rhode Islanders back to work.
Some of the projects include long-term maintenance of the Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge; rehabbing or replacing five other bridges throughout the state; resurfacing 45 miles of state roads; replacing guardrails and highway lighting and addressing pavement deterioration on 80 miles of state roads and highways.
Carcieri also has announced the launch of Recovery Rhode Island, a Web site that will serve as the portal for all American Recovery and Reinvestment Act activities. The site will serve as a central point of information for all activities regarding the Act, including programs, projects, transparency and accountability.
The site also will include links to federal and state agencies, news and information, frequently asked questions and automatic updates. A contract opportunities calendar, which shows the level of advertising for the construction projects, also has been created.
