Projo Biz Blog

A $267-million project underway to link T.F. Green Airport with the commuter rail trains to Boston, Providence and Wickford Junction could face another hurdle if voters fail to approve Question 1 on the ballot next Tuesday.

State officials said toay that they are counting on voters approving a $87-million transportation bond to help finance the "intermodel" project, which is they said would create jobs, stimulate the Rhode Island economy and preserve the environment by keeping more cars off the road.

"Obviously, right now this couldn't come at a better time," Governor Donald L. Carcieri said at a news conference yesterday. "We need this transportation bond to pass..."

Though the transportation bond issue, Question 1 on the ballot, includes less than $20 million for the $267-million intermodal project, the state funds are required in order for the state to qualify for another $80 million in federal funds for the project, said the Department of Transportation's director, Michael P. Lewis.

Rhode Island transportation officials expressed concern last week that opposition to an un-related Question 1 ballot item in Massachusetts could scuttle Rhode Island's transportation bond issue. (The ballot question in Massachusetts would eliminate that state's income tax by the end of next year.)

Besides helping to fund the Airport-commuter rail connector project, the $87-million transportation bond (Question 1) on Rhode Island's ballot, Lewis has said, will provide funds which are critical to continuing the state's highway program for the next two years.

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