RIDOT wants to divert $27 million away from projects intended to make biking and walking in the state better. State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) Major Amendment 11 proposes to reduce the Transportation Alternatives program by nearly $27 million in the next 10 years, which funds bicycle, pedestrian, and road safety projects.
Your voice matters. As a Rhode Islander who cares about biking and walking infrastructure, you can help save this $27 million for alternative transportation projects.
Make your voice heard TODAY and call the Governor NOW to tell her why you oppose STIP Major Amendment 11.
STEP ONE: Dial (401) 222-2080
STEP TWO: Speak to a person or leave a message. Either option is fine, but it’s slightly better to speak to someone because then your message is delivered in real-time. (If you call after 5pm, you will only be able to leave a message.)
STEP THREE: Deliver your message. Use the script below or create your own message. Make sure to say your name and your town or city.
STEP FOUR: Will you help us get more calls? It’s easy, just ask a friend to make a call, too, or post about your phone call on your social media accounts, with the Governor’s number.
STEP FIVE: Send written comment to the Transportation Advisory Committee opposing the amendment and speak at one of the Public Hearings on February 25 or February 28. Details Below
SAMPLE CALL SCRIPT
Hello, my name is ____[name]____ and I live in ____[city/town]_____. I am calling because I oppose State Transportation Improvement Program Major Amendment 11, which would shift $27 million away from the Transportation Alternatives Program. [I/Rhode Island voters] recently and overwhelmingly approved bond money to increase investment in bicycle infrastructure. This proposal to cut funding for bike projects is counter to what Rhode Islanders have asked for with the passage of the 2018 Green Economy Bond. Investing in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure would improve our quality of life and enable residents across a broad economic spectrum to immediately take more trips by bicycle and by foot and fewer by car, reducing the carbon footprint of our state quickly and cost-effectively. Taking funding away from biking and walking projects risks the safety, health, and well-being of all Rhode Islanders. Thank you.
Submitting Written Comment
Send your comments in writing to the Secretary of the Transportation Advisory Committee, Michael D’Alessandro.
Michael D’Alessandro
Secretary of the Transportation Advisory Committee,
RI Dept. of Administration, Division of Statewide Planning
One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908
Michael.DAlessandro@doa.ri.gov
All comments on the Amendment must be received prior to or during the TAC’s meeting on February 28, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.
A supporting document is available for people who wish to write letters. Click here to view the document.
Public Hearing Schedule
STIP Major Amendment #11 Public Hearing @ Narragansett
February 25, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.
Narragansett Town Hall – Council Chambers
25 Fifth Avenue, Narragansett, RI
ARRIVE EARLY if you plan to speak.
STIP Major Amendment #11 Public Hearing @ Providence
Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.
RI Department of Administration
Conference Room A, 2nd Floor
One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI
ARRIVE EARLY if you plan to speak.