Advancing the practice and image of our industry.
Along with the interests of Rhode Island.
For more than 60 years, Construction Industries of Rhode Island (CIRI) has promoted the interests of companies in the heavy and highway construction industry. The assistance we provide includes the strengthening of relations with governmental and regulatory agencies — along with the building of consensus among public, private and community stakeholders. Specific examples include:
Labor relations. CIRI provides a forum and platform for member companies to reach consensus and collective bargaining agreements with Rhode Island’s key trade unions. These partnerships are crucial to maintaining and improving our state’s transportation infrastructure.
Bond issue campaigns. CIRI’s most important activity has been our leading role in gaining voter approval for transportation bonds. Since the State itself cannot spend taxpayer money to promote bond issues, CIRI is relied upon to conduct advertising and public relations campaigns to inform voters of the purpose and details of the proposals. Conducted every other year, these campaigns provide nearly all of the State matching funds for Federal-aid transportation projects.
Government relations. CIRI actively represents the industry in legislative matters, while fostering relations with government departments and agencies whose programs affect the construction industry. Our organization is represented on the State Planning Council, along with the Council’s Transportation Advisory Committee. We also monitor all bills submitted to the General Assembly and makes CIRI’s views known on issues of importance to the industry.
Federal and State compliance. Our mission includes assistance for member companies to comply with Federal and State regulations. The most recent example is Work Zone Safety Training to meet a new Federal requirement. Classes conducted in 2010 and 2011 under CIRI’s officially approved program resulted in the certification of 94 technicians and 94 supervisors with responsibility for safety on construction projects.
National collaboration. CIRI is an active member of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), the leading national voice of the construction industry. CIRI is also a financial supporter of The Road Information Program (TRIP), whose research and reports have been extremely helpful in the planning and promotion of highway and bridge programs.