Raimondo, RIDOT Kick Off Amtrak High Speed Rail Work at Kingston Station
GoLocalProv News Team
Raimondo, RIDOT Kick Off Amtrak High Speed Rail Work at Kingston Station
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The $41 million project involves construction of a third track at the South Kingstown station, as well as construction of two high level platforms to allow full access to trains for passengers with disabilities. The third track will enable the regional Amtrak trains stopping at Kingston Station to come off the main line, while high-speed Amtrak Acela trains bypass them. This would accommodate expanded commuter rail service to Kingston Station when the state expands commuter rail further into South County.
"This project launches important updates to Rhode Island's transit system that will attract more businesses to our state, create jobs, and increase accessibility for Rhode Islanders with disabilities," said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. "Together, we are showing that good infrastructure matters to Rhode Island and to Rhode Islanders. I look forward to continuing to make smart investments to enhance transportation in our state and encourage long-term business growth."
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The project is funded by the federal government with $26.2 million dedicated through the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program for improvements at Kingston Station. Rhode Island was one of 15 states awarded a grant in 2011, and was the only state to receive awards for two projects on the Northeast Corridor main line, the other being for the development of a long range plan at the Providence Station. The remaining cost of the work at Kingston Station will be covered by Amtrak.
Work will begin in July under a $17 million contract with Manafort Brothers Inc. that is being funded by a High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program grant through RIDOT. Once the preliminary work is complete, Amtrak will begin construction on the actual tracks and install the overhead wires. Final completion for the project is scheduled for the summer of 2017.
"This is a smart investment in improving the infrastructure at Kingston Station and the efficiency of high-speed rail service along the Northeast Corridor. This project will help allow the Acela to bypass slower moving regional trains serving Kingston, as well as commuter trains, should service be expanded here in the future. The result will be improved efficiency, capacity, and safety here at Kingston. Rhode Island is a key piece of the busy Northeast Corridor and I am pleased we were able to put these funds to work," said Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who helped secure federal funds for the program in 2011 and who successfully worked with then-U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to direct unused rail funds from other states to Rhode Island.
Photo Credit: jpmueller99 flickr page
The Ten Most Politically Powerful in Providence
10.
Buff Chace - Developer
Regardless of who is the Mayor, the Downcity developer flexes his economic muscle and constantly wins superior tax agreements.
The visionary developer transformed Westminster Street from a blighted dead zone to a tony-neighborhood.
He has realized tens of millions in benefits in tax breaks from the City over the past two decades and will be back again this year. He still has open issues on a range of properties and is the likely candidate to take control of the Providence Journal’s building on Fountain Street.
9.
Myrth York - Politico
The former State Senator from the East Side and three-time failed candidate for Governor has become a major power in Democratic circles both in the city and statewide. She went all in for both Gina Raimondo and Jorge Elorza and she won big.
Recently, she scored an appointment to the Beacon Insurance Board as a part of a Chafee-Raimondo agreement.
York has been the Chair of the Zoning Board during the tenure of Providence Mayor Angel Taveras. The changes to zoning on Federal Hill under the York leadership of the Zoning Board have been widely scrutinized.
York is seen as a major mentor and supporter to Brett Smiley, the City of Providence’s newly appointed Chief Operating Officer.
8.
Buddy Cianci - Former Mayor, Radio Talk Show Host
He lost the election, but make no mistake about it -- the two-time convicted felon and talk show radio host still casts a big shadow. He came within a couple thousand votes of winning the Mayor’s office again.
Cianci still talks to every player in the City nearly every day. He strategically uses his radio show to set the agenda.
The new Council leadership has a number of Cianci supporters among their ranks.
7.
House Majority Leader John DeSimone
With the resignation of Gordon Fox in 2014, the City of Providence’s influence in the legislature took a big hit losing the Speaker’s office. DeSimone rose to majority leader as part of the Speaker Nick Mattiello leadership team.
DeSimone will be the key to the City of Providence’s financial well-being. Elorza and Smiley will need to quickly build a strong relationship with DeSimone.
With the State of Rhode Island facing a $200 million budget deficit as well as a potential further hit due to the loss of gaming revenue with Massachusetts facilities coming online, the appeals of the City of Providence for financial support will be difficult.
6.
Joe Paolino - Former Mayor and Developer
The former Mayor of Providence upped his investment in the City of Providence with a $60 million deal in January of 2014 to purchase three major buildings in the financial district.
That investment further extended the Paolino empire in Providence. He continues to be a national player in Democratic politics and fundraising, but his economic interests are embedded in Providence.
5.
Sabina Matos, Council President Pro Tempe
Matos, who will be formally elected President Pro Tempe of the Providence City Council, has firmly established herself as the most influential Latina in the City of Providence.
Her savvy strategy to team with Aponte creates a trifecta of Hispanic power in the City of Providence - the three most powerful positions are all lead by Hispanics.
The Rhode Island College grad who represents the 15th Ward - the Olneyville and Silver Lake neighborhoods,-- is emerging as Providence’s most influential woman.
4.
Tony Simon, Chief of Staff
The Chief of Staff for Mayor Elorza comes to the City from Sheldon Whitehouse’s office. He served as Rhode Island Deputy State Director for the junior senator and his transition to City politics should be smooth.
He is knowledgeable about the City’s politics and obviously well-connected with the Congressional delegation and the State House.
His challenge may be will he -- or Smilley -- have the Elorza’s ear.
3.
Brett Smiley - Chief Operating Officer
The former political fundraiser, then candidate for Mayor, and now the City of Providence’s Chief Operating Officer knows a lot about politics, but has no experience in running a city.
Smiley and Elorza’s relationship will be critical to the the new Mayor having a productive agenda.
Smiley has to be careful to serve the Mayor and foster Elorza’s agenda. As a consultant he had many masters. As a candidate he had many plans, now he has to be staff.
2.
Luis Aponte - City Council President
Aponte was first elected to the Providence City Council in 1998. He is one of the first Latino candidates ever elected in Rhode Island and the true trailblazer in Providence when he was elected as Providence’s first Latino member of the City Council.
Aponte is seen as thoughtful and progressive. During the course of his tenure he has often been the bridge between the neighborhoods and downtown.
With nine votes on the Council, Aponte can at a minimum share with Elorza setting the City’s agenda.
1.
Jorge Elorza - Mayor of Providence
The former RWU Law Professor and Housing Court Judge is facing a tremendous number of difficult and complex problems:
- Budget shortfall
- Poor performing schools
- One of the highest commercial tax rates in the nation
- Concerns about crime
- Decaying city infrastructure
- Unfunded pension liability
