UPDATE ON RHODE ISLAND'S TRANSIT MASTER PLAN

Please join us for a presentation and discussion of progress to date on development of the state's first multimodal Master Transit Plan, or "Transit Forward RI" on Monday, April 8, 4:30 pm at the RI Foundation

The Project Team, including representatives from RIPTA, RIDOT, the Office of Statewide Planning, and project consultants, will share their research and ideas with us, and we in turn can provide them with valuable feedback as they continue to envision how our passenger transportation network should look and operate in the future.  

The Transit Master Plan (TMP) is being developed by the Division of Statewide Planning, RIPTA, and Rhode Island Department of Transportation alongside the Bicycle Mobility Plan and Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).  The TMP will: 

· Develop a transit vision for Rhode Island over the next two decades

· Identify the specific improvements needed to achieve the vision

· Identify potential new sources of funding for the improvements

· Identify governance changes that could help move the plan forward and improve service delivery

We are inviting Rhode Island's transit and environment organizations to join us for this workshop on Monday, April 8, from 4:30 to 6:30 at the RI Foundation, One Union Station, Providence.

Update on House THUD Bill

While the House Appropriations THUD bill is largely the same disappointment it was out of committee, there was one small improvement to the bill when Rep. Rigell had an amendment passed that restored $25 million to the Washington Metro System (that previously had been cut by 50% or $75 million). The additional money for the Metro was offset by $22 million cut to the Federal Aviation Administration and $3 million from the Federal Transit Administration's administrative account.

Within the Federal Highway Administration $130 million was added to the funds to be used for Rail Highway Grade Crossings.

No amendments were passed in committee further reducing Amtrak appropriations.

The Democrats on the committee are threatening to vote against the THUD bill when it comes to the House floor for a vote. This could get interesting.