Transportation 2035 - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | employment, freight, downtown, and tourismGOAL EDOBJECTIVES ED.1.aED.1.bED.1.cED.1.dPOLICIES ED.2.aED.2.bED.2.cED.2.dED.2.eED.2.fED.2.gED.2.hED.2.iSupport a vigorous economy by facilitating the multi-modal movement of freight and passengers within Rhode Island and the northeastregion.Move people efficiently to and from work and school.Move freight efficiently to, from, and within Rhode Island by all modes.Revitalize and maintain economically healthy “street-centric” downtown areas and village centers.Move tourists and conventioneers efficiently to, from, and within Rhode Island, especially through public transportation.Proactively work with state agencies and other stakeholders to determine needs of employers, employees, un- and under-employedindividuals, and students, and strive for transportation options that support full employment and educational opportunities.Provide viable and affordable transportation options.Support regional examination and planning of interstate transportation-related economic development issues.Ensure that freight rail continues to serve the region. Join with other New England states in participating in decision-making onchanges in regional rail service, such as changes in ownership, rate structure, maintenance of the network, and accommodatingintercity passenger rail service.Encourage provision of all appropriate transportation services and facilities at key freight locations including freight rail, highway, port,airport, transit, and commuter alternatives. Consider short sea shipping opportunities.Use transportation to support economic development that takes place in existing built-up areas or on prime sites suitable for intensivedevelopment. Transportation investments should support both intra and interstate regional economic development opportunities.Examples are development of prime industrial sites in Quonset Davisville, Cranston and East Providence; Warwick's proposed mixedusecenter near the airport; and the Blackstone Valley in a way that preserves its historic and natural character.Use transportation investments to support community economic development including village centers, “Main Streets”, centralbusiness districts, and brownfields.Utilize transportation investments to support tourism, one of the state's most important industries. Strengthen linkages between theProvidence metropolitan center, air and rail terminals, and tourist attractions in Newport, South County, and the Blackstone Valley.Recognize Narragansett Bay as a critical waterway and transportation asset for fuel transport and other freight.Transportation 2035 (2012 Update)State Guide Plan Element 611RI Statewide Planning ProgramPage 5-12December 2012BICYCLEDESIGNECONOMICDEVELOPMENTEMERGENCYRESPONSEENVIRONMENTEQUITYFINANCEHIGHWAYINTERMODALLAND USE ANDCORRIDORSPEDESTRIANPLANNINGSAFETYTRANSIT