JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $250,000 TO 401 TECH BRIDGE TO STUDY AND EXPLORE SEAGLIDERS IN RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Ciccone and 5 co-sponsors

The bill would appropriate $250,000 to study seagliders in Rhode Island, aiming to boost the Blue Economy through feasibility findings and potential environmental and mobility bene

06/02/2026 Committee recommends passage

1) Purpose and Intent

This Joint Resolution proposes an appropriation of $250,000 to 401 Tech Bridge.

The funding is intended to study and explore the use of seagliders in Rhode Island, in conjunction with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative (RISI).

The overarching goal is to support Rhode Island’s Blue Economy by advancing a nascent technology with potential environmental and economic benefits, including carbon reductions, job training opportunities, and enhanced regional connectivity.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

Appropriation Amount: Directs $250,000 to 401 Tech Bridge to conduct feasibility-related work on seagliders.

Partnering Entities: The effort is to be conducted in collaboration with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative (RISI), a coalition of local government, business, and community stakeholders.

Scope of Work: Includes conducting a seaglider feasibility study to assess the use and operation of seagliders in Rhode Island. This encompasses evaluating potential benefits and positioning the state to realize those benefits.

Intended Benefits (as stated in the bill):

Reducing thousands of tons of carbon and greenhouse gas emissions annually.
Expanding business opportunities and workforce training within Rhode Island.
Bolstering Rhode Island’s Blue Economy.
Providing fast, flexible access to Rhode Island and other East Coast hubs.
Offering a sustainable travel option for residents, visitors, and tourists.
Potential reductions in highway congestion and lower cargo costs, alongside improved emergency response capabilities, all with zero carbon emissions.

Financial Administration: The Rhode Island State Controller would draw orders on the General Treasurer to pay the appropriation, based on properly authenticated vouchers.

3) Who/What Would be Affected

Primary Recipient: 401 Tech Bridge would receive the funds to conduct the study and related activities.

Collaborative Partner: Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative (RISI) would partner with 401 Tech Bridge to carry out the feasibility study and ensure stakeholder engagement.

Broader Impacts:

Rhode Island’s maritime and blue economy sectors could experience future opportunities in manufacturing, research, and deployment of seagliders.
Potential effects on local employment, training programs, and regional transportation options.
Environmental impact considerations related to carbon emission reductions and sustainable travel.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced: April 3, 2026.

Referred To: Senate Finance.

Scheduled Consideration: Hearing/consideration scheduled for May 7, 2026 (as indicated in action history).

Legislative Status: A Joint Resolution proposing an appropriation; if advanced, would require standard budgetary processes and approvals to allocate funds.

Quick Take

SR 3183 seeks a targeted, $250,000 appropriation to advance seaglider feasibility in Rhode Island through 401 Tech Bridge and RISI. The bill frames seagliders as a strategic component of Rhode Island’s Blue Economy, with anticipated environmental, economic, and mobility benefits, contingent on feasibility findings and subsequent policy action.

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