Voters approve $40M road repairs bond

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Providence residents came out in droves on Election Day to show city lawmakers that something needs to be done about the streets in the capital city.

A $40 million bond for road repairs passed after nearly 90 percent of voters gave it the green light.

"It's a huge complaint, it has been that way for a long time, and the truth of the matter is, anyone who travels the city of Providence, travels along our roads, realizes we have a lot of work to do," said Mayor Angel Taveras.

The city is moving one step closer to plugging the potholes, now that residents approved the bond issue. The city has identified 60 miles of roads in need of repairs, which account for about 15 percent of city streets. The streets were selected based on condition, amount of travel, cost, and length of needed repair.

• Map: Road Paving Plan

When the bond issue came to light earlier this fall, the city confirmed the bond would add $3.2 million to the general operating debt in 2014, which is equal to about $20 per resident each year.

Mayor Taveras says the number is small compared to the savings for Providence drivers.

"Of course, when you borrow money, it costs money," he added. "We pay out money every single year, not only to repair our roads, but also to damages to our roads, to cars who travel on our roads. And so, I think that's important we're going to hopefully be able to reduce that amount as well."

The mayor tells us we could see work begin in the capital city before next summer.