Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Commerce today announced the re-opening of applications for the Wavemaker Fellowship program, a competitive student loan reimbursement program for professionals working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), certain design fields, and for the first time – the healthcare sector. This Wavemaker Fellowship awards refundable tax credits of up […]
City & Government
A look at What’s Up in city and government in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
Senator Euer confirms she’s not running for Congress, will endorse Sandra Cano in race for CD1
State Senator and Judiciary Chairwoman Dawn Euer (District 13, Newport and Jamestown) announced today that she is not running for congress and will give her unequivocal support and endorsement to Sandra Cano to be the next congressperson representing the first district of Rhode Island. Senator Euer’s name had been considered by some as a viable […]
Sen. DiMario sponsoring two bills to recruit more mental health professionals
STATE HOUSE – As a licensed mental health counselor, Sen. Alana DiMario has seen firsthand how a shortage of mental health providers is impacting patients. “When you’re struggling with mental illness like anxiety, depression or addiction, you need care that is quality, timely and consistent,” said Senator DiMario (D-Dist. 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown, New Shoreham). […]
Newport City Council Recap for April 12
The Newport City Council met on Wednesday night for a Regular Council Meeting. All members of the City Council were present for the meeting. Following the roll call and Pledge of Alliance, the Rogers Middletown Tiverton (RMT) co-op hockey team was honored after recently winning the 2023 RI Interscholastic League Division II Championship. Councilor Holder […]
Sen. Ujifusa introduces bill to audit Medicaid middlemen
Taxpayers pay almost $2 billion each year to three private health insurance companies, also known as Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), to administer benefits for about 90% of Rhode Island Medicaid enrollees. Sen. Linda Ujifusa, a member of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, has proposed legislation to audit these companies to ensure those taxpayer dollars […]
Secretary of State Amore and Rhode Island State Archives open new exhibit
“From Fields to Festivals: Parks and Recreation in Rhode Island” Celebrates State’s Outdoor Spaces
PROVIDENCE, RI – Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore and the Rhode Island State Archives today announced the opening of a new Archives exhibit, “From Fields to Festivals: Parks and Recreation in Rhode Island.”
The exhibit highlights the physical spaces that have shaped Rhode Island’s history, including State parks and beaches, municipal parks, outdoor public spaces, and recreation hubs now and throughout history, such as Rocky Point Amusement Park and Crescent Park. The exhibit features historic artifacts, photos, and documents that tell the story of parks and recreation in Rhode Island.
“The State Archives is home to so many important pieces of our state’s history, including documents and artifacts that teach us more about how people lived and spent their time in years past,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. “As the weather becomes warmer and we make our plans for spring and summer, I encourage visitors to draw inspiration from these documents and artifacts and visit the places people have explored outdoors throughout Rhode Island’s history.”
The exhibit is free and open to the public during State Archives business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments are not required.
The State Archives is home to more than 10 million letters, photographs, and important state documents that form a permanent, tangible record of Rhode Island’s rich history. Visitors to the Archives can access vital records, census data, historical manuscripts and documents, and more. Many artifacts and documents have also been digitized and are available in the State Archives online catalog at https://catalog.sos.ri.gov/ and Digital Archives. To learn more about the State Archives, visit https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/state-archives.
###
Governor McKee, RIDOT, Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, Municipal Leaders highlight proposed #RIReady municipal road fund program
Governor Dan McKee, Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti, Jr., North Providence Mayor and Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns President Charles Lombardi, Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns Executive Director Ernie Almonte, and municipal leaders gathered today at the North Providence Department of Public Works to highlight […]
RIDOT to open new dedicated on-ramp to Pell Bridge from downtown Newport
On Thursday night, April 13, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will open a new dedicated on-ramp from JT Connell Highway northbound onto Route 138 West toward the Pell Bridge. The change will reduce congestion and make it easier for drivers coming from Downtown Newport to merge onto Route 138.
With the opening of the new ramp, RIDOT will remove the traffic signal for the right turn onto Route 138 West, which had been in place temporarily through the winter. Traffic will have its own lane onto Route 138 West toward the bridge and will not have to stop or yield. The change also will allow two lanes westbound from the JT Connell Connector Road onto the Pell Bridge.
The opening of the new ramp is the latest in a series of traffic pattern changes RIDOT is implementing this year, with the goal of making improvements prior to the busy summer tourism season. They include:
By late April, RIDOT will conduct a weekend closure of Admiral Kalbfus Road at the former Route 138 overpass for its demolition.
By Memorial Day, RIDOT will realign the intersection of Farewell Street and America’s Cup Avenue to eliminate the sharp curve at the start of America’s Cup Avenue which will improve safety and traffic circulation. In addition, the Department plans to activate a new traffic signal with pedestrian crossing features at the intersection.
RIDOT will announce the exact dates of the bridge demolition and Farewell Street improvements well in advance.
The $74 million Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2 project is rebuilding the road network connecting to the Pell Bridge to make travel into Newport easy and safe. It includes a new efficient ramp system that will reduce congestion, especially the backup of vehicles on the bridge from the Downtown Newport exit, and improve the connection between Newport’s North End and the downtown area. With a smaller footprint, the new design also will spur economic development as it frees up approximately 25 acres of land. It will be finished by the end of 2024.
Additional information about the project and the latest traffic pattern changes will be posted at www.ridot.net/PellBridgeRamps. The web page also has a form anyone can use to sign-up to receive regular project updates emailed directly to them.
All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings, and weather.
The Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2 Project is made possible by RhodeWorks, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Improvement and Jobs Act. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.
This Week at the General Assembly: Bills advance on renewable energy, employee protections, and more
The Rhode Island General Assembly had a busy week, with several important bills passing through both the House and Senate. Here are some highlights of what happened: The Senate passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Alana DiMario to establish a new state program called Renewable Ready that would help offset the costs to prepare certain […]
States consider banning cosmetics containing PFAS
By LISA RATHKE Associated Press A growing number of state legislatures are considering bans on cosmetics and other consumer products that contain a group of synthetic, potentially harmful chemicals known as PFAS. In Vermont, the state Senate gave final approval this week to legislation that would prohibit manufacturers and suppliers from selling or distributing any […]
House approves bill to clarify public shoreline access
STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives today approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Terri Cortvriend to establish a more practical and recognizable boundary for the area of the shore to which the public is entitled access. The bill now goes to the Senate. The legislation sets the line at six feet landward from the recognizable […]
Someone painted a fake crosswalk on Harrison Avenue in Newport; City warning of changed intersection
The City of Newport is using social media to warn residents and visitors of a fake crosswalk that someone has recently painted on Harrison Avenue in Newport. “No, we did not install a new crosswalk on Harrison Avenue. But apparently somebody did,” the City of Newport shared on Facebook and Instagram. “Our Public Services crews […]
What’s On The Agenda: Newport City Council Meeting on April 12
Newport City Council will host their next Regular City Council Meeting on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. The meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm, is open to the public and will take place in the City Council Chambers. Here’s a look at what’s on the agenda; CITY OF NEWPORT DOCKET FOR THE REGULAR […]
State of Rhode Island announces purchase of 84-acre swath of land in Cumberland
Governor Dan McKee, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the Town of Cumberland, and the Cumberland Land Trust today are announcing the protection of a pristine, 84-acre swath of forested land including tributaries of two reservoirs that are critical drinking water resources for residents of the Blackstone Valley. The $830,000 acquisition of the Joseph and […]
Rhode Island lawmaker wants to require solar on new homes and parking lots
by Lisa Prevost, Energy News NetworkApril 5, 2023 A freshman lawmaker in Rhode Island has opened a provocative discussion: why not mandate solar panels on most new construction? Rep. Jennifer Boylan, a Democrat who has solar panels on her home in Barrington, said she sees every instance in which a new building goes up without […]
Middletown Town Council Meeting Minutes: April 3
WHEN: Monday night. WHERE: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road. ABSENT: Dennis Turano. OF NOTE: Approved the transfer alcoholic beverage license from First Beach LLC to TPG Middletown Beverage LLC for the hotel and restaurant at 1 Wave Ave. A representative for the the incoming owners The Procaccianti Group said the well-known hospitality company had big plans […]
Newport City Council to host a workshop on Rhode Island Ethics Commission and Code of Ethics
Newport City Council will host a workshop on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in the City Council Chambers at Newport City Hall. The notice of the City Council Workshop states that the workshop is in regard to “Rhode Island Ethics Commission and The Rhode Island Code of Ethics”. What’sUpNewp followed up with Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong to […]
Rep. Spears and Sen. DiPalma introduce legislation to protect human services benefits
STATE HOUSE – Rep. Tina L. Spears and Sen. Louis P. DiPalma, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, have introduced legislation which will help individuals keep some access to crucial human services programs and benefits, even if their incomes rise above eligibility standards. “If a family’s provider picks up extra shifts at work, does that […]
Latino empowerment council to advise Massachusetts governor
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is planning to sign an executive order Wednesday creating a Governor’s Council on Latino Empowerment. The 40-member panel will be made up of Latino leaders from across the state and will be charged with advising Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll on strategies to expand economic opportunities for […]
City of Newport: Driftway storage applications are now being accepted
Newport’s Habormaster’s Office is accepting applications for its 2023 Washington Street Driftway Storage Program. Dinghy owners are encouraged to download and submit their applications as soon as possible. Under the City’s Harbor Ordinance, dinghies, kayaks, and other vessels less than fourteen (14) feet and/or otherwise approved by the harbormaster are allowed to be kept in designated […]
Senator Ujifusa introduces two bills to support veterans
Sen. Linda Ujifusa, a member of the Senate Special Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, is sponsoring two bills that support veterans. One (2023-S 0710) would allow veterans of the United States National Guard who served in any military conflict to receive an exemption on their property taxes. Current law provides such tax exemptions to veterans […]
Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (April 1 – 8)
The following road and lane closure notices have been scheduled by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA). All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority April 2 – 8, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeEastbound Right Lane Closure- 4/3- 9 am […]
Roundup: Here’s what happened this week at the Rhode Island General Assembly
The General Assembly in Rhode Island had a busy week, with several bills being introduced and passed. Governor Daniel McKee signed a bill allowing restaurants to continue approved outdoor dining until February 15, 2024. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee and Sen. Alana DiMario, providing restaurants with certainty this year while stakeholders […]
Governor McKee signs bill extending outdoor dining
Governor Daniel McKee today signed a bill into law sponsored by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee and Sen. Alana DiMario that allows restaurants to continue approved outdoor dining until Feb. 15, 2024.“The take it outside campaign has proven to be very popular with residents, tourists and business owners alike,” said Representative McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, […]
Vision of permanent state archives building closer to reality
For several years, former Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea and current Secretary of State Greg Amore have envisioned the state moving its archives out of temporary rental spaces to its own building. This is getting closer to reality. Amore, a former high school civics teacher in East Providence, said recently that his vision is for […]