McKee: All $220.9M Washington Bridge Funding Secured

PROVIDENCE, RI — Thursday, Gov. Dan McKee 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.”

Also Thursday, the state’s Congressional Delegation announced that they had thawed $30 million of the funding frozen by the Trump Administration in January.

According to McKee’s office, the State has made continued progress in building a new bridge since March 14, 2024, when it was determined that repairing the Washington Bridge was not feasible.

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.