2026-42 Resolution of the Council, re: In support of 2026-H 7502 Relating to Highways – Sidewalks.

NO. 2026-42

TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN

TOWN COUNCIL RESOLUTION

IN SUPPORT OF 2026-H 7502 RELATING TO HIGHWAYS – SIDEWALKS

WHEREAS: 2026-H 7502 would require that maintenance of sidewalks along state highways, with the exception of snow and ice removal, be the responsibility of the State of Rhode Island, and

WHEREAS: Municipalities currently bear responsibility for maintaining sidewalks located within state highway rights-of-way despite limited authority over design standards, permitting, and underlying infrastructure, and

WHEREAS: Sidewalks within state rights-of-way are frequently impacted by state-controlled elements such as drainage systems, utility structures, and roadway design, which contribute to deterioration and maintenance needs, and

WHEREAS: Municipal experience demonstrates that inconsistencies in maintenance responsibility can result in uneven conditions, inefficiencies, and increased costs to local taxpayers, and

WHEREAS: The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has identified potential fiscal impacts associated with assuming this responsibility, including programmatic and staffing costs, and

WHEREAS: Municipalities lack access to the same funding sources, economies of scale, and systemwide planning capabilities available to the State, including federal transportation funding opportunities, and

WHEREAS: Assigning maintenance responsibility to the State would promote uniform standards, improve pedestrian safety, and better align infrastructure ownership with responsibility, and

WHEREAS: The Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns has identified unfunded mandates and infrastructure cost burdens as a significant concern for municipalities and supports policies that align responsibility with funding and authority.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED: That the Middletown Town Council supports passage of 2026-H 7502, and

BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED: That the Town Council urges the Rhode Island General Assembly to adopt this legislation to improve consistency in infrastructure management and reduce unfunded municipal obligations, and

BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED: That the Town Clerk is directed to transmit copies of this resolution to the following: the members of the Middletown Legislative Delegation; the Speaker of the House; the President of the Senate