Several Rhode Island communities approved local bond issues on Tuesday, ranging from a million dollars to $400 million, from buying a fresh and saltwater fire pump, major school construction, infrastructure projects, and a storm water upgrade in the wake of major flooding.
In all cases, the bonds passed easily.
Among them, Newport’s $98.5 million municipal facilities upgrade that includes $20 million for the Perrotti Park Bulkhead and renovation of the Harbor Master Building; $13 million for a North End Public Safety Facility; $12 million for the removal of the Van Zandt Bridge and associated road improvements; $11.2 million for an Easton’s Beach nourishment study and program; and $3.75 million set aside as matching funds for Cliff Walk repairs. A statewide $53 million Green Economy Bond, which also passed, includes $3 million for the Cliff Walk.
The largest project is $400 million for Providence schools that involves new construction or renovations to 16 school facilities. The smallest of the projects, a million dollars for the water fire pump on Block Island.
Here’s a look at the bond referenda:
Providence
A $400 million bond to continue investments in schools that the Providence League of Women Voters recently characterized as having “deficiencies throughout its 40 schools … deteriorating conditions and the need for timely action.” According to the Providence School Department’s website the $400 million will be used for new build or like-new renovations at seven facilities, including Hope High School; and “restore to new” at nine other facilities, including Central High School. The League of Women Voters says the $400 million would be in addition to what the schools say is “over $500 million” that is available to invest in modernizing our public-school facilities.”
Chariho Regional
(Charlestown, Hopkinton, Richmond)
Voters approved a $15 million bond for improvements on the main campus, which includes the high school. Approval, however, comes in the wake of voters rejecting a $150 million bond in the spring that would have replaced elementary schools near or over 90 years old. One of the schools has flooding issues, another was found to have mold in two rooms beneath a wooden floor, and a school is using a trailer as a classroom. Superintendent of Schools Gina Picard says students do not use the rooms where mold was found She also says the school committee is looking at other alternatives, including the possibility of proposing building just one elementary serving the entire district.
Central Falls
Already in the process of building a $108 million high school, voters approved a $26 million bond to build a dual language school at the site of the current high school, plus renovations to the middle school and two elementary schools.
North Kingstown
A year after rejecting a bond that would have funded construction of a new public safety complex and middle school, voters on Tuesday approved both projects, once they were decoupled. Residents approved a $60 million bond to build a new public safety complex in Quonset, and a new fire station on Kingstown Road. They also approved a $137 million bond to build a new Wickford Middle School, renovate the Davisville Middle School and three elementary schools.
Johnston
Voters approved a $40 million bond to fund stormwater management and sewer upgrades, after four major flooding incidents this past year. The bond will finance “construction, additions, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair, furnishing and equipping of stormwater management and sewer facilities throughout the town.”
Pawtucket
Voters in the city that once hosted the Pawtucket Red Sox and soon will be home to a professional soccer team approved a $20 million environmental, infrastructure improvement bond. In the explanation, it says it will “fund projects that improve the environment, create jobs, and promote economic development.” It referenced other infrastructure projects, including the Riverwalk and pedestrian bridge, and The Stadium at Tidewater Landing, which will be home to the Rhode Island FC, which plays in the Eastern Conference of the USL Championship. The stadium is expected to open next year.
Westerly
Periodically, Westerly voters are asked to approve an infrastructure bond for roads and sidewalk improvements. This year voters overwhelmingly approved an $18 million infrastructure bond. Looming in the future is finding a way to fund more than $60 million in improvements to the sewage treatment plant.
Narragansett
Voters approved a $3 million housing bond “to invest in the own’s affordable housing trust fund, acquire land to lease to non-profits and public entities for affordable housing; issue grants for home purchases; and to acquire preserve or develop affordable housing.”
New Shoreham
The million-dollar question, or bond issue. That’s the town of New Shoreham, Block Island to some, for purchase of a portable salt and freshwater fire pump and a 2025 Chevy Silverado to tow it.
