PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – The Rhode Island Senate is prepared to approve a plan to borrow $200 million to rebuild five decaying bridges on the northbound portion of the Interstate 95 Viaduct.
The Senate Finance Committee approved the borrowing plan last week.
The full Senate will vote next week.
WPRI-TV reports that House leaders have expressed concerns about why the costly proposal was not submitted as part of the governor’s budget.
The state would borrow the money against future federal highway funding, floated by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation in the form of Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle funds.
The state Transportation Department requested additional funding after project costs jumped from $120 million to $250 million.
Director Peter Alviti says the project expanded to address traffic alleviation and safety problems, increasing the cost.
