The City of Newport has received final confirmation for an $11 million federal grant to restore the beloved Cliff Walk, marking the largest single federal grant ever awarded to the city and bringing the total funding commitment for the project to approximately $22 million.
The funding comes through the federal PROTECT (Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-Saving Transportation) grant program, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The city’s Department of Public Services received official notification that its application has been approved to advance, allowing work to begin on a formal project agreement with the Federal Highway Administration’s Providence Office.
Recovery from 2022 Collapse
The massive funding commitment addresses repairs needed after a sudden collapse of the Cliff Walk in March 2022. Since then, the city has pursued an aggressive multi-source funding strategy to avoid placing additional burden on local taxpayers while ensuring the restoration of one of Rhode Island’s most iconic public landmarks.
The $11 million PROTECT grant, originally announced in April 2024, represents the cornerstone of a diverse funding portfolio that the city has assembled over the past three years. The confirmation allows Newport to move forward with finalizing design work and project scope for the restoration effort.
Comprehensive Funding Package
The city has secured funding from multiple sources to support the ambitious restoration project:
- $11 million from the federal PROTECT grant
- $5 million Congressional earmark included in the Fiscal Year 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act
- $3 million from State Green Bond proceeds
- $3.75 million from the City’s 2024 General Obligation Bond, approved by Newport voters in November
Combined, these funds will support essential infrastructure repairs and improvements designed to enhance the Cliff Walk’s coastal resilience and ensure continued public access for future generations.
Next Steps
With funding now secured, the city will work in coordination with federal partners to complete final design and engineering plans. The restoration project aims to not only repair damage from the 2022 collapse but also strengthen the coastal trail against future environmental challenges.
City officials indicated that additional details regarding project timelines, engineering plans, and community engagement opportunities will be provided as the planning and permitting processes advance.
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