Rhode Island joins national lobbying group for intercity rail projects
PROVIDENCE – On Friday, Rhode Island became the 33rd state to join the States for Passenger Rail Coalition.
The States for Passenger Rail Coalition was established in 2000 to support intercity passenger rail initiatives and to advocate for federal funding for those initiatives. Membership is open to state departments and agencies in charge of official transportation responsibilities, such as the R.I. Department of Transportation.
“Due to our central location along the Northeast Corridor, Rhode Island has been and continues to be an active participant in funding capital improvements within the corridor for commuter, intercity and freight rail,” said Michael P. Lewis, RIDOT director.
Frank Busalacchi, chair of the coalition and secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, said, “It’s vitally important for the coalition to keep growing as an organization. We are ve