RIDOT receives national recognition

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is receiving national recognition for its use of federal stimulus funding.

Projects and Paychecks: A One-Year Report on State Transportation Successes under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has named the Ocean State as one of three state success stories.

Rhode Island, along with Georgia, Michigan, and Nevada, received the honor for the state's success with using federal stimulus funds to create projects and jobs.

RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis says the stimulus program added 137 million dollars to the transportation program. Currently there are 57 projects authorized to go forward and 44 contracts under construction.

Officials also say 81 percent of all the construction contracts were awarded to Rhode Island companies.

The stimulus-funded projects include work on the Peace Dale Stone Arch Bridge in South Kingstown and the Dillons Corner Bridge in Narragansett.

The entire report focuses on 48 billion dollars that have been invested in national transportation improvement projects and job creation.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was passed on February 17, 2009.