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Rhode Island
$2 Million Federal Grant to Boost Providence’s Transit, Reconnect Communities – Newport Buzz
Federal officials have announced a $2 million grant aimed at improving community connectivity and pedestrian safety in Providence’s urban core. The funding, provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Grant Program, will support a study for multimodal transit improvements and new commuter connections in the city.
The initiative, led by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), focuses on the “Connect Four: Bridging Providence’s Urban Core” project. The study will gather community input and analyze how to reunite neighborhoods divided by infrastructure projects, such as the construction of Interstate 95 (I-95) and Rhode Island Route 10 (RI-10).
“This new $2 million grant will help make roads safer, revitalize neighborhoods, and promote healthy and connected communities,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed. “RIDOT can use this federal grant to help remove roadblocks to transit access, improve mobility, and reduce traffic jams and pollution.”
The grant, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will also prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety while addressing outdated infrastructure. “This latest round of federal funding will lay the groundwork to create new connections between Providence neighborhoods and make getting around our capital city easier and more efficient,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.
Revitalizing Neighborhoods and Infrastructure
The project will evaluate the redesign of four key bridges spanning I-95 and RI-10 along Atwells Avenue, Dean Street, Washington Street, and Westminster Street. These bridges, which are slated for replacement under RIDOT’s 10-year State Transportation Improvement Program, will be reimagined with a “complete streets” approach to accommodate future needs.
“We will put these funds to work right away, incorporating a complete streets design for these new bridge projects to support the current and future needs of residents and visitors in Providence,” said RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, Jr.
RIDOT will also identify unnecessary ramp infrastructure for removal, creating opportunities for new development in areas previously occupied by highway ramps.
Restoring Communities
The funding underscores efforts to address historic transportation decisions that disproportionately affected underserved neighborhoods.
“In Providence, working-class, majority-minority neighborhoods have been divided since the construction of the I-95 and RI-10 highways. With this $2 million federal investment, our delegation is accelerating efforts to restore communities through thoughtful growth,” said Senator Reed.
The RCP program, established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, supports projects that improve access to jobs, education, health care, and recreation in communities historically divided by infrastructure.
Economic and Community Benefits
The study is expected to lay the groundwork for enhanced public transit options and economic growth. “American households spend nearly 16 percent of their income on transportation, which can be a significant burden for low-income families,” RIDOT noted, emphasizing the broader economic implications of improved transit infrastructure.
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Related
RI’s Verdi Productions films ‘Bad News On The Doorstep’ in Providence
Verdi Productions wrapped filming of Tom DeNucci’s “Bad News On The Doorstep” early on May 23 in Providence.
Verdi Productions’ secret horror movie, “My Boyfriend is a Demon,” now filming in Rhode Island, is no longer a secret as Chad A. Verdi, the East Greenwich production company’s president, has announced the cast and given an outline of the movie’s plot.
The ensemble cast comprises veteran actors and rising young talents. The story follows Mary, a lonely, small-town girl who creates a fake Instagram account that pretends to be boyfriend, a guy too perfect to be real. Mary puts so much effort into making him “real” that he shows up at her door one day.
The cast includes:
- Mattias Ferrell, son of comic actor Will Ferrell and known for “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie” and “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.”
- Coco Arquette, daughter of Courteney Cox and David Arquette and known for “Cougar Town.”
- David Arquette, known for his work in the “Scream” film franchise.
- Rosanna Arquette, David’s sister and Coco’s aunt, known for “The Moment.”
- Bailey Sloan, known for “Ragamuffin.”
- Jack Champion, known for “Avatar.”
- Ever Anderson, known for “Peter Pan & Wendy.”
- Vinnie Hacker, known for “Euphoria.”
- Josephine Reitman, known for “Juno.”
- Savannah Lee Smith, kown for “Tunsel Town.”
- Lisa Yamada, known for “Elle.”
- Ty Law, known for “Friday Night Lights.”
“My Boyfriend is a Demon” is written and directed by first-time director mishka.
“My Boyfriend is a Demon” is filming in Providence
The movie began filming in Rhode Island in April and has rented Providence’s Cranston Street Armory for the month of May to use as a studio.
The producing team for Verdi Productions includes Chad A. Verdi, Chad Verdi Jr., Paul Luba, Michelle Verdi and Sera Verdi. Executive producers include Ketchup Entertainment and Kinolime.
Good morning! Happy Thursday! Today will be pretty unsettled with the chance for showers and t’storms. Friday will still be damp with showers and drizzle, but the weekend still looks amazing!
The one good thing with the rain, for allergy sufferers at least, the pollen levels will be lower. In fact, both today and tomorrow, the tree pollen counts will be low locally. Do expect a spike in the pollen count for Saturday and Sunday with the dry weather.
INTERACTIVE RADAR: Live Pinpoint Weather 12 Radar »
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” FLIGHT TRACKER
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” POWER OUTAGES
TODAY
Hour-by-hour forecast for today…
We’ll have some showers around during the morning commute today, but the greatest chance for showers and t’storms will be after 9AM and before 5PM.
Showers and thunderstorms could slow travel around mid-day. Rain could fall heavily at times.
A line of showers and t’storms will be sweeping across the area through the afternoon as a slow-moving weather systems moves through the region.
Highs today will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s with southeast to east winds of 5-15mph.
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” BEACH AND BOATING FORECASTS
TONIGHT
Showers are still possible this evening; although they won’t be as numerous.
TOMORROW
That low center will be nearby Friday morning, and we’ll be stuck with a damp, cool windflow. Expect drizzle and showers in the morning and possibly some lingering showers in the afternoon.
Highs Friday will only be in the 50s. The average high this time of year is in the upper 60s.
LOOKING AHEAD
Then…there’s the weekend. Saturday looks amazing with lots of sunshine and dry weather. It’ll be warmer, too, with highs in the 70s.
-Meteorologist T.J. Del Santo
T.J. Del Santo (tdelsanto@wpri.com) is the weekday morning and noon meteorologist for 12 News. Connect with him on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and Threads and BlueSky.
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The Rhode Island Department of Health issued an overdose spike alert for Johnston and North Providence.
Health officials said over the past week, five Johnston and North Providence residents received medical care for a drug overdose.
According to RIDOH, these municipalities have historically lower overdose rates than the statewide average.
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Residents can visit Prevent Overdose RI connect with community harm reduction organizations and find treatment.
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