Issue Position: Transportation

Issue Position

Our transportation infrastructure is the backbone of our economy, affecting the way we live, work, travel, and do business. Senator Reed has championed critical road, highway, bus, rail, and port projects in Rhode Island.

Reed has delivered millions of dollars in federal funding to improve Rhode Island's roads, repair our bridges, expand commuter rail service, modernize RIPTA buses, upgrade our ports and airports, and ensure access to high-speed rail.

Reed helped write the last major surface transportation bill (known as "SAFETEA-LU"), which included over $1.2 billion for Rhode Island and ensured the state receives about $3 in federal transportation funding for every $1 Rhode Islanders pay in gas taxes.

Key Priorities & Accomplishments

In an effort to expand our state's freight rail service, create jobs, and grow Rhode Island's economy, Reed worked for over a decade to secure $55 million to make the Rhode Island Freight Rail Improvement Project (FRIP) a reality.
Reed helped secure over $60 million to expand commuter rail service to South County, which will help ease traffic in the southern half of the state, and make upgrade Rhode Island train stations and high-speed railways.
To help create jobs and spur economic growth, Reed helped direct over $22 million to upgrade Quonset's Port of Davisville and over $10 million to help transform the Port of Providence into a modern marine cargo center that will diversify shipping options in the region.
Reed helped write the law that included over $84 million for RIPTA - a 71% increase for the state - to modernize its bus fleet and expand public transportation options throughout the state.

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