(Washington, D.C.)–Congressman Jim Langevin today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation that includes his request of $1 million for the relocation of Route 403.  The funding was included in H.R. 2989, The Transportation, Treasury and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act for FY 2004, which passed the House by a 381 to 39 vote last night.  The legislation awaits consideration by the U.S. Senate.

 “The relocation of Route 403 will ease traffic congestion and help cut down on traffic delays and accidents,” said Congressman Langevin.  “This project will separate through and local traffic, thereby reducing impacts of increased traffic to residents living in adjacent areas.  For area businesses, the construction will provide important infrastructure improvements that will enable Quonset Point to once again become an economic asset to the state.”

Upon completion, the relocated Route 403 will be a four-lane, fully controlled access roadway approximately 4.5 miles in length.  This project will provide infrastructure improvements to complement the development of the Quonset/ Davisville Commerce Park. 

The highway improves access to Davisville, which is utilized for international commerce, including the import of automobiles from Europe and Japan and the export of fish to Southeast Asia.  The new highway will provide better access to United States markets for a number of foreign-based companies that are located at the Commerce Park.

Other projects in the appropriations bill, jointly supported by Langevin and Congressman Patrick Kennedy, include $2,500,000 for RIPTA bus replacement; $750,000 for the I-195 Washington Bridge; $1,000,000 for the RIPTA Jobs Access/Reverse Commute program; $800,000 for the Blackstone Bikeway; $500,000 for RIPTA’s ITS Transportation Center; and $600,000 for RIPTA facilities security upgrades. 

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