Major Amendment 19 will reduce the total net budget for Transportation Alternatives (TAP) by $37 million. While some projects are simply no longer being tracked anymore (see “Project shifted to Green Economy Bond Funding”), others have had funding reduced (some because they have been completed) and a few projects are being delayed off the end of the 10 year transportation plan with no indication as to when they will be rescheduled.
CLARIFICATION:
Funding for the First Mile Shared Use Path in Newport remains intact. The original TIP project ID 9003 has been retired, but the full $7.2 million for this project has been combined with the Pell Bridge Ramp Realignment project IDs 9201 and 1364 and remains specifically designated for the Shared Use Path.
Bike Newport has asked the Department of Transportation to clearly articulate the budget, schedule and limits of the Shared Use Path within the Pell Bridge project and will continue to work with DOT and the City of Newport to see the First Mile Shared Use Path completed with the most optimal placement, design and use possible.
While it is true that RIDOT has invested $80 million into biking ($48.19M) and walking ($32.05M) in other non-TAP projects, the actual number of bicycle lane miles being built is small. The new Providence Pedestrian Bridge accounts for half of the total non-TAP spending on bicycle projects in the state. Approximately 20 miles of bicycle infrastructure (mostly paint) will be built over the next 8 years as part of other road projects. The $80 million figure includes an additional 1.5 miles of bike infrastructure that has already been built and maintenance on the East Bay Bike Path (pre-existing infrastructure).
Click here to take action and Save Funding for Biking and Walking.
The list of Transportation Alternatives projects being cut, delayed, merged, and dropped is below. Click here for a full list of all projects:
TAP Program General Contingency Account – Reduced by $12.11M
This account contained funding set aside for implementing projects in the bike mobility plan.
Newport North End Bicycle/Pedestrian Connectivity and Safety Improvements – Reduced by $7.20M and REALLOCATED
This line item is being eliminated, and its funding is transitioning to support Phase 2 of the Pell Bridge Ramps project, TIPID 9201.
Trestle Trail – West Section – Paving – Reduced by $5.50. Delayed indefinitely
Project deferred for cost and readiness review by Statewide Planning and RIDOT.
William C. O’Neill Bike Path Extension – Phase 4B – Reduced by $5.43M
Project delayed to 2019 due to local readiness issues. The funding for this line item is being reduced to support a less costly alternative version of this project.
“Safe Routes to School Contingency, Bike Safety, and State of Good Repair Funding
(Formerly: “Safe Routes to School Contingency”) – Reduced by $3.59M
This line item has been reduced to service the needs of existing SRTS projects, including TIPID 5267. Future funds will be transferred as necessary to meet the needs of other SRTS projects.
URI/South County Bike Path Connector and Extension – REMOVED from STIP ($2.60M)
Project shifted to Green Economy Bond funding provided by DEM for implementation
East Main Road Sidewalks – Reduced $2M
Project Advanced to construction and is complete.
Marlborough Street/West Marlborough Streetscape Improvements – Reduced $1.90M and Reallocated to another TAP project
The City completed this project using City funds and has requested transfer of existing budget to the Bellevue Avenue ADA Sidewalk Access Improvements TAP project.
Blackstone River Bikeway – Segment 3A-1 – REMOVED from STIP ($1.60M)
Project shifted to Green Economy Bond funding provided by DEM for implementation
GEB Bicycle Improvements Contingency Account – Reduced by $1.27M
2018 funding has been zeroed out as FFY18 has concluded. $0.04M is being added to this line item in FFY19 from earmark funds. 2021 funding source shifted to state funding to be more flexible in aiding projects in need.
Blackstone River Bikeway – Segment 3B-1 – REMOVED from STIP ($1.10M)
Project shifted to Green Economy Bond funding provided by DEM for implementation
Herreshoff Marine Museum – Reduced by $0.82M & Eliminated from STIP
This project is being removed from the STIP based on a review of the TAP-qualifying activities in coordination with Statewide Planning. This project is not considered an acceptable Transportation Alternatives project.
Sprague Street Sidewalks – Reduced by $0.78M & REALLOCATED
In a letter to RIDOT, the Town of Portsmouth has requested that the funding allocated to this line item be grouped into TIP ID 1377, a repavement project on Sprague Street set to begin in FFY23. That change is reflected in the pavement capital program project adjustments.
SanSouci/Woony (Green Economy Bond) – REMOVED from STIP $0.55
Project shifted to Green Economy Bond funding provided by DEM for implementation
NBT/WRG: Providence Woonasquatucket Greenway Enhancements – Reduced by $0.53M
Project being assessed for partial inclusion in the Providence Viaduct (NB) Replacement, Bridge Group 75TB (I).
Ten Mile Mile River Greenway – REMOVED ($0.50M)
Project scope calls for parking lot and canoe/kayak launch. RIDOT recommending evaluation by City and DEM for funding under DEM program offerings.
Woonsocket River Landing – Reduced by ($0.39M) – delayed indefinitely
Project deferred for cost and readiness review by Statewide Planning and RIDOT.
Westerly loop (Green Economy Bond) – Misquamicut Bike Loop – REMOVED from STIP ($0.33M)
Project shifted to Green Economy Bond funding provided by DEM for implementation
Providence Bicycle Master Plan – REMOVED ($100,000)
Plan withdrawn by City of Providence.
Stone Bridge Rehabilitation Study – Island Park – Reduced by $0.08M
Study no longer necessary. Project complete.
Downtown Providence Pedestrian Wayfinding Project – Reduced by $0.05M & eliminated
RIDOT is recommending that signage be included in other on-going City and State projects. The amount of staff time required to insure that federal requirements are met may potentially approach the total cost of the project.
Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Improvements for Gallagher Middle and McCabe Elementary Schools – Reduced by $0.01M
Project advanced by RIDOT to construction.
Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Improvements for State Street Elementary School – Reduced by $0.01M
RIDOT has determined that this project can be completed with a reduction in funding.