Rhode Island Economy Gets a Boost from Rail
In addition to playing a direct role in the revitalization of the Ports of Providence and Davisville, rail infrastructure and service improvements have also created cost effective options for other businesses and industries in the Ocean State. Taking heavy freight off the highways also reduces truck congestion and saves money for taxpayers on roadway upkeep.
Rhode Island's freight railroad operates 93 miles of track and employs 40 in the Ocean State.* It would have taken approximately 38,000 additional truckloads to move the 700,000 tons of freight that moved by rail in Rhode Island in 2019. Moving freight by rail prevented 94,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent of taking 18,000 cars off the road or planting 1.42 million trees.
*2019 data
Policy Issues Washington, D.C. — As the 117th Congress dives into its work—and committee assignments and leadership roles have been finalized—we now know more about the key…
Economic Impact Washington, D.C. — The allure of railroading in America is undeniable. It’s an intrinsic part of our nation’s history and identity—steel wheels on steel rail…
Policy Issues Group Letter Featuring Signatories from 46 States Calls on Policymakers to Preserve Regulatory Balance for Freight Railroads and Customers Washington, D.C. — More than 1000…
43 percent
decrease
in rail rates, 1981-2014.
That means the average rail customer today can ship nearly twice as much freight for about the same price it paid more than 30 years ago.
State Director
Rhode Island
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