2025-34 Resolution of the Council, re: In support of RI Senate Bill 2025 S0057 and House Bill H5393.

Resolution of the Council
Town of Middletown
Resolution no. 2025-34

Resolution in Support of Rhode Island Senate Bill 2025-S 0057 and House Bill 2025-H 5393
Relating to Sidewalk Maintenance on State Highways

WHEREAS, safe, accessible, and well-maintained sidewalks are essential for the mobility,
safety, and well-being of all Rhode Island residents, including seniors, students, persons with
disabilities, and pedestrians of all ages; and

WHEREAS, Senate Bill 2025-S 0057 and House Bill 2025-H 5393 propose to amend Rhode
Island General Laws to clarify that the State of Rhode Island shall be responsible for the
maintenance of sidewalks along state highways, with the exception of snow and ice removal; and

WHEREAS, municipalities across Rhode Island, including the Town of Middletown, are often
financially and operationally burdened by the requirement to maintain sidewalks along state-
controlled highways, diverting limited local resources from other essential public services; and

WHEREAS, assigning maintenance responsibility to the State will promote consistent standards
for repair and upkeep, improve pedestrian safety, ensure uniformity across municipal boundaries,
and allow towns and cities to better allocate resources to other critical infrastructure needs; and

WHEREAS, the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns and several municipal leaders have
publicly supported this legislation, recognizing that sidewalk maintenance on state roads is
fundamentally a state responsibility tied to the state's transportation infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, the Town Council of Middletown finds that the passage of Senate Bill 2025-S
0057 and House Bill 2025-H 5393 would benefit local taxpayers, enhance public safety, and
support the Town’s long-term transportation and accessibility goals;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of Middletown, Rhode
Island, hereby formally endorses and supports the passage of Senate Bill 2025-S 0057 and House
Bill 2025-H 5393,