2023 -- H 5551

========

LC001364

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF STATE

ROADS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Cortvriend, Kislak, Morales, Bennett, Edwards, McGaw,
and Cotter

     Date Introduced: February 15, 2023

     Referred To: House Environment and Natural Resources

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

1

     SECTION 1. Section 24-8-11 of the General Laws in Chapter 24-8 entitled "Construction

2

and Maintenance of State Roads" is hereby amended to read as follows:

3

     24-8-11. Beautification.

4

     The department of transportation is hereby authorized and empowered to plant pollinator-

5

friendly native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and plants to and otherwise beautify the area within

6

the limits of a road, including state highways. This beautification shall be done in a manner and at

7

locations as the department may deem advisable, and the cost of the work shall be paid from

8

moneys, appropriated for highway purposes, not otherwise needed for the construction,

9

reconstruction and maintenance of state roads and bridges; and the state controller is hereby

10

authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of such

11

sums as may from time to time be required, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved

12

by the director of transportation. The department shall seek suggestions from apiarists,

13

horticulturists and other certified professionals to identify the appropriate types of plants and

14

locations that benefit pollinators.

15

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

========

LC001364

========

 

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF STATE

ROADS

***

1

     This act would authorize and empower the department of transportation to plant pollinator-

2

friendly species of trees, shrubs, grasses and plants.

3

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC001364

========

 

LC001364 - Page 2 of 2