Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H6211

Introduced
3/24/23  

Caption

Joint Resolution Authorizing The State To Enter Into A Financing Agreement Relating To School Construction In The City Of Pawtucket (authorizes The State To Finance The Construction Of A New High School And Facilities And All Expenses Incident Thereto.)

Impact

The bill indicates a strong commitment from the state towards ensuring adequate public school infrastructure in Pawtucket by facilitating a significant financing package amounting to $330 million. This funding is crucial, especially given the city's financial difficulties, and it allows for the acquisition, construction, furnishing, and equipping of schools. The financial mechanism proposed involves issuing corporation bonds, which the state can secure at lower interest rates than Pawtucket could on its own. This aspect is expected to lower the overall costs associated with the project while supporting local educational needs.

Summary

House Bill H6211, also known as the Joint Resolution Authorizing The State To Enter Into A Financing Agreement Relating To School Construction In The City Of Pawtucket, addresses the pressing need for improved educational facilities in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The bill authorizes the state to finance the construction of a new high school and associated facilities, highlighting the necessity of safe and healthy learning environments for students. The focus of the bill stems from the recognition that existing school buildings require major repairs and upgrades, directly impacting the welfare and educational outcomes of local children.

Contention

Although the bill aims at enhancing educational infrastructure, it necessitates the exclusion of the project from certain state housing aid reimbursements, causing some concerns among local stakeholders. The project will be eligible for 'bonus' incentives instead, raising questions about the adequacy of support it can receive. Furthermore, the successful enactment of this financing agreement hinges on the approval of the Rhode Island Department of Education, adding an additional layer of oversight and complexity to the project. Overall, the bill signifies a collaborative effort between the state and local jurisdictions to rectify educational facility challenges.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0868

Joint Resolution Authorizing The State To Enter Into A Financing Agreement Relating To School Construction In The City Of Pawtucket (authorizes The State To Finance The Construction Of A New High School And Facilities And All Expenses Incident Thereto.)

RI H8239

Authorizing The City Of Pawtucket To Provide For The Construction, Reconstruction And Repair Of Bridges And All Costs Incidental Or Related Thereto And Authorizing The Financing Thereof, Including The Issue Of Not More Than $1,000,000 Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness Therefor, To Fund The Capital Improvement Program For The Two Fiscal Years 2024 And 2025

RI S2970

Authorizing The City Of Pawtucket To Provide For The Construction, Reconstruction And Repair Of Bridges And All Costs Incidental Or Related Thereto And Authorizing The Financing Thereof, Including The Issue Of Not More Than $1,000,000 Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness Therefor, To Fund The Capital Improvement Program For The Two Fiscal Years 2024 And 2025

RI H8228

Authorizing The City Of Pawtucket To Issue Not To Exceed $330,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Furnishing And Equipping Of A New High School And School Facilities And All Expenses Incident Thereto, Including But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping And Parking, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 83.7% For Expenditures Eligible For State Aid And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By Any Grant Received From The School Building Authority Capital Fund

RI S2926

Authorizing The City Of Pawtucket To Issue Not To Exceed $330,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Furnishing And Equipping Of A New High School And School Facilities And All Expenses Incident Thereto, Including But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping And Parking, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 83.7% For Expenditures Eligible For State Aid And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By Any Grant Received From The School Building Authority Capital Fund

RI H6126

Amending Chapters 106 And 107 Of The Local Acts Of 2021 Both Entitled "relating To School Construction And Financing In The City Of Central Falls And Authorizing The City Of Central Falls To Issue Not To Exceed $5,760,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Furnishing And Equipping Of Schools And School Facilities In The City"

RI H8238

Authorizing The City Of Pawtucket To Provide For The Renovation, Construction, Reconstruction And Equipping Of Public Recreation Facilities In The City Including Land Acquisition And Authorizing The Financing Thereof, Including The Issue Of Not More Than $4,100,000 Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness Therefor, To Fund The Capital Improvement Program For The Two Fiscal Years 2024 And 2025

RI S2971

Authorizing The City Of Pawtucket To Provide For The Renovation, Construction, Reconstruction And Equipping Of Public Recreation Facilities In The City Including Land Acquisition And Authorizing The Financing Thereof, Including The Issue Of Not More Than $4,100,000 Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness Therefor, To Fund The Capital Improvement Program For The Two Fiscal Years 2024 And 2025

RI S0510

Amending Chapters 106 And 107 Of The Local Acts Of 2021 Both Entitled "relating To School Construction And Financing In The City Of Central Falls And Authorizing The City Of Central Falls To Issue Not To Exceed $5,760,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Furnishing And Equipping Of Schools And School Facilities In The City"

RI H6376

Authorizing The Town Of East Greenwich To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $180,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

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