Forging ahead together to meet new challenges.

Michael D. D’Ambra • CIRI President

Before the creation of the landmark RhodeWorks initiative, Rhode Island was subjected to sporadic and inconsistent periods of funding for infrastructure projects. As a result, our roads and bridges deteriorated badly over the course of several decades. Crucial projects — needed to fix major issues and take our transportation system to the next level — sat on the drawing board year after year.

Effective working partnerships have helped the RI heavy and highway construction industry to elevate the quality and scope of the state’s infrastructure and economy. The most significant of these is the extensive financial support provided by the federal government through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

Over the past 10 years, Rhode Island has been fortunate to obtain and implement $3.3 billion of federal formula funds. In addition, our state has also been awarded $1.2 billion in special grants for major job-creating projects and investments across Rhode Island. The results are everywhere you look.

A $211 million grant to help rebuild the Washington Bridge has recently been approved by Sean Duffy, the new US Transportation Secretary. We thank Secretary Duffy and the Trump administration for finalizing the full grant commitment that was made prior to them taking office. CIRI and its member companies are energized by this opportunity to help carry out the administration’s stated mission to deliver critical high-value projects across America — with streamlined processes that bring them to fruition more quickly and more efficiently.

Sincerely,

Michael D. D’Ambra
CIRI President