Steve McAllister

To the Editor:

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was a huge win for our country, state, and city. Through the passing of this legislation, Rhode Island will receive roughly $8.5 billion in federal funding over the next five years.

Infrastructure investments are critically important to our community. For years, cities and towns across the state have been unable to make much-needed upgrades. Recently, we have seen more and more water line breaks across the city and state due to our aging water systems. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will provide $378 million for water infrastructure improvements across Rhode Island.

For the City of Warwick, this funding is a game changer. We can now make significant improvements to the city’s water infrastructure without having to take on additional debt to pay for these upgrades. Additionally, the legislation provides $45 million for airport improvements. While many Warwick residents have been significantly impacted by the airport expansion, the loss of hundreds of homes and properties has also meant a reduction in the city’s tax role. Given that the airport is here to stay, we must work to ensure it is an asset to our community. This $45 million will hopefully be used to continue to make the airport a top-notch facility that continues to recruit and retain airlines, which will bring more revenue into our city and state.

$100 million for improved broadband coverage is also a vital investment tied to this legislation. In recent years, we have learned just how important quality broadband is, as it has allowed many households to work and learn remotely during the pandemic. Still, many residents in Warwick and across the state face significant challenges caused by having limited internet access. In 2021, access to quality broadband should be a right for citizens across the state, regardless of their neighborhood.

These are just a few examples of how The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help our state and city. Thank you to the RI Congressional delegation for supporting this bipartisan bill that will help our economy and improve the quality of life for so many Americans.

Steve McAllister

Warwick City Council President

Executive Director, Eastern Region for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce