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Council accepts $3 million RIDEM grant for Cliff Walk repairs; total funding package still short of projected costs
Summary
The council accepted a $3 million grant from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management toward repairs to the Newport Cliff Walk. Staff said combined currently committed sources total about $11.75 million, while design and bidding estimates suggest $15–20 million may be needed.
The Newport City Council voted to accept a $3 million grant from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to support repairs to the Cliff Walk. City staff described the award as one component of a multi-source financing plan to rehabilitate the shoreline trail.
Director-level staff detailed other funding streams the city is pursuing: a $5 million congressional-directed spending (CDS) award to come through the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, and $3.75 million approved in a 2024 voter-approved bond. If the CDS agreement is executed and the RIDEM grant accepted, staff said the city would have approximately $11.75 million committed. The city is also pursuing a federal PROTECT grant (not yet awarded) that could provide an additional large award — staff described the PROTECT request as the largest remaining funding source but said it remained pending and that grant rollout processes vary.
Officials warned that design and construction costs for the Cliff Walk are substantial because much of the work must be done from the land side and requires complex staging and specialized equipment. Current preliminary estimates cited in staff remarks ranged from about $15 million to $20 million for the full scope. Staff said designs are moving toward submittal to coastal regulators (CRMC) and that permitting and procurement will take months, even when money is secured.
Councilors praised staff for pursuing multiple funding sources and pledged support for further steps. Staff said the RIDEM award requires council acceptance and that the CDS agreement will be brought forward at a future meeting for formal approval.
Next steps: staff will continue design, submit required permitting documents to CRMC, execute the CDS agreement when available, and continue seeking the PROTECT grant and other funds to reach the full estimated project cost.
