The Bristol 4th of July Committee could soon get extra funding for the patriotic festivities from Rhode Island drivers who purchase a new license plate in the making.

According to a release from the State House, the House supported a bill sponsored by Rep. Raymond E. Gallison Jr. to issue a new specialty license plate promoting the Bristol Independence Day celebration and raising money to help support the parade, which began 1785.

The release goes on to say that the red, white and blue plates, which would be decorated with stars, stripes, a parade logo, and the message “America’s Oldest Fourth of July Celebration,” would cost drivers an additional $40. Half of the fee would go to the state and the other half would go to the parade committee to fund the festivities. The 2.6-mile parade, attended by thousands from all over Rhode Island and beyond, costs about $250,000 annually, most of which is raised by the parade committee.

“The Bristol 4^th of July Parade is one of the most well-loved traditions in Rhode Island, and these plates will help keep it going, both by raising much-needed funding and by serving to promote the parade year-round,” said Representative Gallison (D-Dist. 69, Bristol, Portsmouth). “These plates will be a fun way for Rhode Islanders who love the parade to help support it and to show their pride in this historical and patriotic celebration.”

Under the bill, an initial order of 900 plates will be required before the state will print any. The parade committee itself will be responsible for collecting enough applications to meet that first order. After the initial run of 900, the Division of Motor Vehicles will directly handle orders for the plates. The bill (2011-H 5378 A) will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

According to the application on the Bristol 4th of July website, only passenger vehicle plates qualify for the 4th of July plate. Commercial, combination, suburban or similar plates do not qualify. Those interested in applying for a plate can click here for more information.