The bill clarifies the ownership and management of roads within the Quonset Business Park by designating them as public roads under the jurisdiction of the Quonset Development Corporation (QDC). It establishes that QDC public roads, as defined in the bill, shall be the sole responsibility of the Quonset Development Corporation and shall be under its sole jurisdiction. The authority to designate these roads as public roads belongs solely to the QDC and shall not be designated by the state planning council.

Key provisions include the QDC's exclusive authority to manage, maintain, and control the QDC public roads, including the ability to establish rules and regulations regarding their care and maintenance. The bill also removes state authority over QDC public roads, allowing the QDC to install traffic control devices without the need for state approval and exempting the QDC from certain traffic regulation requirements.

Additionally, the bill introduces a definition for "QDC public roads," which encompasses all roads within the Quonset Business Park that are owned, leased, managed, and/or under the control of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and/or the Quonset Development Corporation. It specifies that these roads shall not be subject to general laws governing state and municipal roads, thereby enabling the QDC to operate independently.

The legislation aims to enhance road management efficiency within the Quonset Business Park while ensuring safety for all users and is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7519: 31-12-1, 31-13-3, 31-41.2-3, 37-5-1, 42-64.10-6