Rep. Jay Edwards. Photo: RI General Assembly.

Portsmouth Rep. Jay Edwards (D-70) will be holding an open house for constituents next week at the Common Fence Point Community Hall to discuss updates from the Special Legislative Commission to Study the Funding for East Bay Bridges and other local issues. The forum will take place at the CFP Hall, located at 933 Anthony Road, on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m.

“This is a chance for the people in both of the communities I represent to continue fruitful discussions about East Bay infrastructure and the work the commission has done thus far,” said Edwards, who serves as a member of the panel. “This is also an opportunity for my constituents to bring their biggest concerns to me before we enter a new legislative session at the State House in January. The bridge issue alone has made me realize how truly lucky I am to represent constituents who care so deeply about our community and recognize that we must all participate in democracy in order to create the best possible outcomes for everyone. I look forward to seeing everyone next week and I strongly encourage all who are interested to attend.”

The East Bay bridge commission — co-chaired by Rep. Helio Melo (D-64, East Providence) and Sen. Daniel Da Ponte (D-14, East Providence) — was established during the 2013 legislative session to allow lawmakers and officials from affected state departments and agencies an opportunity to investigate various funding plans, potentially eliminating the need for tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge.

Editorial note: Written from a state house press release.