What it really takes.
In order to keep its highway system in a state of good operation and repair, Rhode Island would need to spend approximately $640 million per year.

Bridge spending almost 40% short.
A $17 billion annual investment is needed to substantially improve current U.S. bridge conditions. Currently, only $10.5 billion is spent annually on construction and maintenance.

Rhode Island’s state-owned infrastructure includes 637 bridges and nearly 3,000 lane-miles of roadway. These public assets are crucial to the Ocean State’s economy, and also to our quality-of-life.

We need to find ways to fix as many of these assets as possible — with an eye toward lasting improvements and ongoing maintenance. Right now, Question 3 is the only viable way to meet this immediate challenge. Especially since the Federal government is willing to pick up 80% of the tab. .

Time and nature continue to take their toll on our infrastructure. Needed improvements have been delayed by factors such as funding shortfalls and declining revenues. But we can’t wait any longer.

Question 3 is reason enough to get to the polls in 2010. It’s time to vote like your state depended on it.