The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) recently submitted to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) its revised Carbon Reduction Strategy for review and approval.
The document identifies strategies and projects that are in compliance with federal standards to reduce emissions and the state’s Act on Climate.
Objectives include a baseline assessment and forecast of the carbon impacts of the transportation sector, identifying funding priorities for the U.S. Department of Transportation Carbon Reduction Program, establishing a framework for the future of carbon reduction planning, and
supporting implementation of the 2021 Act on Climate requiring the state to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The plan increases funding for bike path construction and improvement from $1.5 million to $6.6 million, adds $1.5 million to support the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, and dedicates $20 million to encourage mode shifts.
“These are positive changes that will provide the necessary actions for RIDOT to accomplish its part of the goal of net zero emissions by 2050,” RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said.
If the FHWA approves the plan, RIDOT will receive an estimated $35.7 million for federal fiscal years 2022 to 2026 for emissions reduction.
The agency’s 10 Year Plan includes long-term strategies and programs to ensure it meets its zero emissions goals.