2025-87

THE CITY OF NEWPORT

RESOLUTION

OF THE
COUNCIL
No.2025-87

WHEREAS, since 2021, legislation has been introduced in both the Senate & House for RIGL 24-15-5, an act Relating to Highways-Sidewalks, requiring all maintenance of sidewalks along State highways be the responsibility of the State; and

WHEREAS, currently the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (R.I.D.O.T.) requires a city or town to have a Physical Alteration Permit to repair a State-owned sidewalk; and

WHEREAS, R.I.D.O.T. has a greater ability to generate funds for these projects through grants and other forms of Federal Aid, more so than Cities or Towns do; and

WHEREAS, R.I.D.O.T. is required to do all work within the State Right of Ways (ROW) which includes; asphalt repair of pavements, drainage repair, pavement markings, street sweeping and snow removal; and

WHEREAS, the Cities and Towns would continue to remove snow and ice from the state Right-of-Way sidewalks; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, that the Newport City Council pass this resolution on behalf of RI League of Cities & Towns, City Administration and Newport Public Works Department, in support of Senate Bill S-57 and House Bill H-5393 to allow the RIDOT to relieve the Cities and Towns of Rhode Island the financial hardship of maintaining the State Right-of-Way sidewalks.

CHARLES M. HOLDER, JR

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED

Laura C. Swistak, CMO
CITY CLERK