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Governor proposes 2¢ gas-tax rollback and shifts from DOT to close RIPTA's $13.8M shortfall; Newport fee increase draws local concern
Summary
Budget staff and the state budget officer described a package to close a projected $13.8 million RIPTA deficit that includes returning a 2¢ gas-tax portion to taxpayers (post-bond defeasance), shifting $9.3M from DOT's highway-maintenance share to RIPTA, and dedicating increased Newport cruise fees; the City of Newport told the committee the city has already adjusted local fees and warned about implementation timing.
State budget staff told the House Committee on Finance the governor's transportation package for FY2027 would reduce the motor-fuel tax rate by 2¢ and reallocate existing highway-maintenance account (HMA) revenue to help close RIPTA's $13.8 million projected operating deficit. Sharon's presentation explained that the 2¢ reduction stems from the payoff (defeasance) of motor-fuel-bond debt; the 2¢ had previously been pledged for debt service and, with the bonds paid off in December 2025, the governor proposes returning that portion to taxpayers.
Joe Cadiga, the state budget officer, told the committee the administration…
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