Rhode Island Awarded $16 Million for Newport Cliff Walk Repairs

The beloved Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island is about to receive some much-needed improvements.

An $11 million federal grant applied for by the Public Services Department was recently approved and will be combined with a previous $5 million federal grant.

The city will soon have $16 million dedicated to repairing and strengthening the Cliff Walk.

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The $11 million award is part of the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation grant program, otherwise known as the PROTECT grant.

“The $5 million federal earmark will help pay for engineering and design work,” said the City of Newport. “While the $11 million federal PROTECT funds may be used to shore up infrastructure vulnerable to the effects of climate change.”

Over the years, this National Recreational Trail has taken a beating. In 2022, a piece of the trail suddenly collapsed, and just last year, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee issued an emergency disaster declaration for the Cliff Walk.

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Thanks to the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that was passed in 2021, the federal PROTECT funds will help restore the stunning 3.5-mile trail.

This is one of those activities that is a must-do for any local or tourist. The Cliff Walk stretches from the western end of First Beach at Memorial Boulevard and runs south to Bailey’s Beach (locals call it Reject’s Beach).

It’s a perfect combination of the natural beauty of Newport’s shoreline and the architectural history of Newport’s Gilded Age.

With this grant, the City of Newport will aim to restore the Cliff Walk to its original glory and bring joy to travelers for years to come.