2025 -- H 5099 | |
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LC000575 | |
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND | |
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY | |
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025 | |
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A N A C T | |
RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF STATE | |
ROADS | |
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Introduced By: Representatives McGaw, Speakman, Boylan, Carson, Kislak, Cortvriend, | |
Date Introduced: January 22, 2025 | |
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 | (a) The department of transportation is hereby authorized and empowered to plant trees, |
5 | shrubs and otherwise beautify the area within the limits of a road, including state highways in a |
6 | manner and at locations as the department may deem advisable,. Plantings shall include pollinator- |
7 | friendly native species when appropriate and the cost of the work shall be paid from moneys, |
8 | appropriated for highway purposes, not otherwise needed for the construction, reconstruction and |
9 | maintenance of state roads and bridges; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed |
10 | to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of such sums as may from time |
11 | to time be required, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the director of |
12 | transportation. The department shall seek suggestions from apiarists, horticulturists and other |
13 | certified professionals to identify the appropriate types of plants and locations that benefits |
14 | pollinators. For purposes of this section "pollinators" means insects to include, but not limited to, |
15 | bees that help carry pollen from the male part of the flower to the female part of the same or another |
16 | flower. |
17 | (b) Any and all activities performed by the department of transportation to benefit |
18 | pollinators on roadsides and state highways shall be in compliance with § 23 U.S.C. 332. |
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1 | SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. |
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EXPLANATION | |
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL | |
OF | |
A N A C T | |
RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF STATE | |
ROADS | |
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1 | This act would authorize and empower the department of transportation to plant pollinator |
2 | friendly native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and plants within limits of a roadway, including |
3 | state highways. |
4 | The department would follow guidelines to benefit pollinators in compliance with § 23 |
5 | U.S.C. 332. |
6 | This act would take effect upon passage. |
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