Official State of Rhode Island website

Governor Dan McKee RI 2030 Plan Charting a Course for the Future of the Ocean State

Expanding Broadband Infrastructure and Digital Equity

  • Received $108.7 million in federal funds from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service. Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used on additional efforts to expand high-speed internet utilization.
  • Obligated $25 million in Capital Projects Funds toward broadband last-mile infrastructure, which was matched by $27 million in private capital. This public-private partnership is providing internet to approximately 16,000 unserved and underserved households and businesses in 27 communities throughout the state—set to be completed by December 2026. 
RIC National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Certificate

Increased enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in the state through outreach and community engagement. The ACP provided a $30 monthly subsidy to eligible households to help pay for broadband services. When the ACP stopped enrollment in April 2024, Rhode Island had the highest utilization of the program of any state in New England. 

The Road to RI 2030: Advancing Infrastructure Goals

  • Construct a brand-new westbound Washington Bridge that will stand as a testament to our commitment to quality infrastructure, ensuring the safety and convenience of generations to come.
  • Increase the Rhode Restore investment in FY 2027 to over $9 million, bolstering the state’s efforts to improve local roads and sidewalks.
  • Invest roughly $500 million over the next five years on paving projects through RIDOT, thanks in large part to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
  • Continue to advance a transit system that easily connects workers and employers within Rhode Island and to other regional economic hubs like Boston and New York.
  • Develop a state-of-the-art transportation system that enhances quality of life, strengthens connections across Rhode Island, integrates the state with the broader region, and drives long-term economic growth over the next decade. The Governor seeks to achieve this goal through continued historic investments in state roads and bridges, alongside a strategic reorientation of state government to equip municipalities with the resources needed to improve their local road and bridge infrastructure. 
  • Continue implementing significant investments in water, sewer, and stormwater management systems to enhance quality of life and foster healthy, green communities across the state. These efforts will be bolstered by leveraging funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to ensure sustainable infrastructure improvements and long-term environmental resilience.
  • Continue to position Rhode Island as a leading maritime and logistics hub in the region, building on historic investments to increase our port’s operational capacity. By expanding the number of berths, facilitating a higher volume of ship arrivals, and maximizing cargo processing capabilities, we strive to enhance efficiency, foster economic growth, and strengthen our strategic role in global trade.
  • Provide all Rhode Islanders with access to broadband service of at least 100 Mbps download speeds and 20 Mbps upload speeds, the new minimum speed recognized by the FCC.