Freight Advisory Committee

The Rhode Island Freight Advisory Committee advises the Rhode Island State Planning Council and the Transportation Advisory Committee on freight and goods movement priorities, issues, projects, and funding needs that utilize Rhode Island’s roadways, rail facilities, airports, marine ports, and pipelines.  The committee provides a forum for regional freight stakeholders to discuss strategies to aid in the efficient movement of freight and increase the collaboration between the public and private sector. This committee assists in the implementation of the State of Rhode Island Freight and Good Movement Plan 2022 as well as advises on evolving issues touching freight transportation planning such as goods and materials costs, fuel costs, regulatory constraints and incentives, and industry trends. Currently, the committee is expected to:

  • Advise the Transportation Advisory Committee and the State Planning Council on freight-related priorities, issues, projects, and funding needs
  • Serve as a forum for discussion for State transportation decisions affecting freight mobility
  • Promote the sharing of information between the private and public sectors on freight issues
  • Provide input on regional transportation policies that impact freight movements
  • Help prioritize freight-related transportation infrastructure investment that is overseen by the MPO
  • Aid in the MPO’s efforts to improve public recognition of freight’s importance in the regional economy
  • Improve regional coordination to address problems of shared interest

Freight Committee Members

  • Madeline Haines, Department of Environmental Management
  • Hunter Charles, Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services, Providence & Worcester
  • Dan Cusumano, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
  • David Everett, City of Providence
  • Paul C. Harden, Rhode Island Small Business Development Center
  • Tom Kravitz, City of Warwick
  • Nicole Lafontaine, Town of North Kingstown
  • TBD - Rhode Island State Police
  • Chris Maxwell, Trucking Association
  • Bennett Nast, Rhode Island Airport Corporation
  • Josh O’Neill, Division of Statewide Planning
  • Michael D’Alessandro, Federal Highway Administration
  • Nikolas Persson, Rhode Island Airport Corporation
  • Joseph Riccio, Quonset Development Corporation
  • Mike Walker, Commerce Corporation
  • Betty Robson, JF Moran
  • Joe Rotella, Resource Recovery Corporation
  • Dara Schniederjans, University of Rhode Island
  • Rita Lavoie, Quonset Development Corporation
  • Chris Waterson, Waterson Terminal Services / ProvPort
  • Thomas Guthlein, Emergency Management Agency
  • Christos Xenophontos, Department of Transportation

The FAC will meet on a quarterly basis or more frequently if needed.

O'Neill, Josh

Supervising Planner, AICP

Phone: (401) 222-4849

Email: joshua.oneill@doa.ri.gov