PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A coalition of U.S. representatives from New England has introduced legislation to establish Rhode Island and surrounding counties in Massachusetts and Connecticut as a federal regional commission.
Rhode Island Democrat David Cicilline says such a designation will allow jurisdictions at different levels to work together with federal support to strengthen the area’s economy.
He says too often, invisible borders force competition between friends that ultimately denies them all the opportunity to unify in pursuit of shared interests and federal investments.
Connecticut Democrat Joe Courtney says a regional coalition will help with improvements to infrastructure, efforts to bolster coastal resiliency, and implement workforce training efforts.
Others involved include Massachusetts Democrats Joe Kennedy III and Stephen Lynch and Connecticut Democrat Rosa DeLauro.
(Copyright (c) 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)