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Council backs resolution urging state to allow municipalities to contract with RIDOT for routine state‑road work
Summary
The intergovernmental committee and full council approved a resolution asking the General Assembly to consider laws enabling municipalities to contract with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to perform and be reimbursed for minor routine maintenance on state roads, modeled on similar arrangements in other states.
The Warwick City Council on Feb. 10 approved PCR 23‑25, a resolution urging the Rhode Island General Assembly to authorize municipalities to contract with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to carry out minor routine maintenance on state‑owned roads and seek reimbursement. The resolution, introduced by Council President Sanappi, passed the intergovernmental committee and the full council with unanimous committee support.
Council members said the change aims to address recurring constituent complaints about potholes, downed signs and other short‑term safety or maintenance concerns that are technically on state roads. Councilor Nao asked whether the Pennsylvania model includes timelines for reimbursement; Council President Sanappi said the draft was intentionally consistent with existing state language and that contract terms, including timelines, would be set in the individual agreements negotiated with RIDOT.
During committee discussion, a resident, Michelle Comar (Ward 1), raised concerns that cities already struggle to maintain their own roads and that assuming maintenance of state roads could increase municipal fiscal pressure or liability for failed repairs. Sanappi and other members said the proposal is intended to be voluntary and case‑by‑case, with contracts to address liability and reimbursement timing.
The council approved the resolution and asked that it be forwarded to the city’s state legislative delegation for consideration in the 2025 session.
Ending: Council members asked the administration to continue outreach with RIDOT and the city’s public works department to refine the concept prior to Legislative action.
