As a lifelong Rhode Islander, Governor Carcieri is committed to keeping Rhode Island beautiful and providing a safe and secure place for its citizens to live. Quality of life is what makes Rhode Island such a special place, and Governor Carcieri is ensuring that we continue to improve all aspects of life in this beautiful state.

A Cleaner Environment

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  Governor Carcieri adopts the California greenhouse gas emissions standards – the strictest in the nation – to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. Rhode Island is the ninth state to adopt these standards.

A cleaner state vehicle fleet.  Governor Carcieri issues an order requiring all new state vehicles to be powered by alternative fuels or be hybrid electric vehicles.

"Greener" state buildings.  New energy-efficient measures are adopted for the construction of new or renovated state buildings. The Governor’s order is expected to save $39 million in operating costs over the next 15 years and will help preserve the environment and promote a healthier workplace for employees.

Improved pollution protection measures.  A $70 million environmental bond that Governor Carcieri proposed is overwhelmingly approved by voters. Some of the funds have been used to improve point-source facilities in Barrington, Burrillville, Cranston, East Greenwich, East Providence, Jamestown, Middletown, Warren, Warwick, West Warwick, Westerly, and Woonsocket.


Improving our Land and Water

Restoring coastal habitat  Governor Carcieri has invested $1 million in coastal habitat restoration that has helped to restore 280.3 acres of wetlands.

Preserving open space.  Governor Carcieri has preserved 8,400 acres of open space since taking office.

Safe disposal of mercury.  Governor Carcieri signed legislation that requires the collection, removal, and safe disposal of mercury switches in vehicles. The legislation will remove from the waste stream 43 pounds per year of mercury.

Removing MTBE from gasoline.  MTBE, a gasoline additive that can quickly contaminate groundwater, is banned from Rhode Island after Governor Carcieri proposes and signs the legislation. The ban takes effect in 2007.

Working cooperatives on oceans policy.  Governor Carcieri successfully proposed the creation of the Northeast Regional Oceans Council, a joint project among New England governors, to develop policies on important ocean issues to influence national and international policy.


Creating Affordable Housing Opportunities

Funding the Neighborhood Opportunities Program.  Governor Carcieri has allocated $17 million over the past three years to NOP, which has created 906 homes in 24 communities.

Supporting homeless services.  In 2005, Governor Carcieri provided $302,304 for Crossroads Rhode Island for their 24/7 support of the homeless.

A first-ever state office to address affordable housing.  Governor Carcieri created the Office of Housing and Community Development to ensure an effective and cohesive approach to affordable housing.

Innovative strategies to address affordable housing.  Governor Carcieri announced a public-private partnership with the United Way, RI Foundation, RI Housing, and Housing Resources Commission to develop the state’s affordable housing strategic plan.


Protecting Vulerable Rhode Islanders

Tax breaks for the elderly and those with disabilities.  Governor Carcieri’s “circuit breaker” legislation has provided $5.7 million in property tax relief to 24,834 elderly and persons with disabilities.

Additional funding for assistance and services.  Governor Carcieri added $350,000 in funding for the Home and Community-Based Care Program in 2005-06 and $900,969 in funding for the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to coordinate preventive, primary, acute, and long-term care services for the elderly. He also added $200,000 to fund the Office of Elder Justice Unit within the Attorney General’s office and $314,365 to add 20 affordable assisted living units per month.

Expanding and strengthening programs to protect vulnerable elderly.  Governor Carcieri signed the Nursing Facility Resident Safety Act to increase oversight of nursing home facilities and provide greater notification to the families of those in such facilities. Governor Carcieri also submitted and signed legislation requiring all local fire and police departments to name a liaison to the senior citizen community.

More nursing home inspectors.  In 2005, Governor Carcieri added 6 nursing home inspectors to the Department of Health.


Improving Roads, Bridges and Highways

Major building projects underway throughout Rhode Island.  Route 195 is being relocated, a new Washington Bridge is under construction, a new Sakonnet River Bridge is in design, and the first phase of a new highway for Quonset Point is scheduled to be completed in 2006.

Burying power lines at India Point Park.  Governor Carcieri allocated $2 million in additional funds to bury a one-mile stretch of power lines for redevelopment efforts in Providence and E. Providence.

Removal of Jamestown Bridge begins.  In 2005, Governor Carcieri led a ceremony that began the demolition of the old Jamestown Bridge.

Rail projects are completed and new projects get underway.  A $50 million Freight Rail Improvement Project to improve freight rail traffic is completed, and plans continue to move forward to extend commuter rail service to Warwick and Wickford and build an intermodal facility to serve TF Green Airport.