Governor McKee Announces $220.9M in Grant Funding for Washington Bridge Rebuild Has Been Assured Through Signed Agreement with Federal Government 

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee today announced that the State of Rhode Island and the federal government have formally signed the agreement for the $220.9 million Mega-INFRA grants to support the Washington Bridge reconstruction, locking in U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) funding for the project. The State has begun to draw down funds to support pre-construction activities for the rebuild.  

“With this signing, the $220 million in federal grant funding for the new Washington Bridge has been assured,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This is another sign of continued progress in our work to build a modern, soundly constructed Washington Bridge that will outlast our lifetimes. I want to thank our congressional delegation for their continued support in securing this funding.” 

Since March 14, 2024, when it was determined that repairing the Washington Bridge was not feasible, the State has made continued progress in building a new bridge. Just over one year later: 

·     Two nationally respected engineering and construction teams are engaged in a competitive bid process for the design and construction of the new bridge. 

·     The superstructure of the deficient bridge has already been safely demolished, and work has begun on demolishing the substructure. 

·     Traffic volume has since returned to pre-closure levels. 

·     Millions of dollars in grants were provided grants to local businesses most impacted in the early months of the bridge closure. 

·     When it came to financing the construction of a new bridge, the Administration’s successful advocacy with the Congressional Delegation, the Federal Highway Administration and the White House resulted significant federal awards, including the $125.4 million MEGA grant and a $95.5 million INFRA grant assured today. 

·     The State adopted a “belt and suspenders” approach to funding, securing millions in Garvee bonds to support the project if needed. 

·     The Governor’s Office initiated a lawsuit to hold responsible parties accountable. 

What They're Saying

“Everyone recognizes the importance of this project to the community and the need for safe, modern, and resilient infrastructure. This federal money is vital to completing this massive project that is already underway. This is a positive outcome and I hope the state will accelerate progress toward a new bridge that meets capacity and safety needs now and in the future,” said Senator Jack Reed. “I appreciate Secretary Duffy’s and Governor McKee’s contributions to this process and will continue working with them, RIDOT, FHWA, and other transportation officials to see the project through and ensure it is done right.” 

“Working across the aisle with Chair Capito and in partnership with our delegation, I was glad to help unstick this funding for the Washington Bridge replacement as Wednesday’s committee hearing for the Secretary loomed,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “This relieves needless uncertainty in an urgent situation with this bridge, and I will continue to do everything in my power to secure what Rhode Island needs from the federal government and to keep investing in our infrastructure.” 

"With Rhode Islanders crossing the Washington Bridge every day, releasing federal funding for this project has been a top priority of mine and I understand how urgently Rhode Islanders need this project finished,” said Congressman Seth Magaziner. “This first $30 million in federal funding being released is a critical step toward getting traffic moving again and reducing the burden that the bridge’s closure has had on local families and businesses. I’ll keep working with delegation and local leaders to make sure the rest of the federal funding gets delivered as promised.”

“As we work to ensure that federally-appropriated funds are rightfully deposited into our state accounts, I’m pleased RIDOT signed a grant agreement to deliver $30 million in funding for the Washington Bridge,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “These resources will bring us closer to the day when a new westbound span is built, alleviating the burden than residents, commuters, and businesses have had to experience for over a year. I look forward to continuing to work with my delegation colleagues to ensure there are no further delays in obtaining the funds that Rhode Island deserves.”