Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8281

Introduced
5/16/24  

Caption

Prohibits RIPTA from using state funds or the proceeds of any bond(s) to pay for any work performed after 9/1/24, pursuant to the “transit center joint development project” RFP and/or pursuant to related the preliminary services agreement.

Impact

By instituting these restrictions, H8281 aims to prevent RIPTA from committing to extensive expenditures that could exacerbate its existing financial difficulties. The bill highlights the risks associated with large contracts characterized by guaranteed profit margins without a cap on costs. It asserts that it is not in the state's fiscal interest for RIPTA to engage in contracts that could lead to ballooning expenses, thereby safeguarding taxpayer resources and ensuring responsible management of public funding.

Summary

House Bill H8281 seeks to restrict the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) from utilizing state funds or proceeds from any bonds for work associated with the transit center joint development project after September 1, 2024. This bill arises from widespread opposition among Rhode Islanders regarding the proposed relocation of the Providence bus hub, which is projected to incur costs between $200 million and $250 million. The significant financial pressure on RIPTA has raised concerns regarding the prudence of proceeding with the hub relocation under current conditions.

Contention

Critics of the proposed bus hub relocation emphasize that the current Kennedy Plaza site provides significant benefits, including accessibility and convenience for bus riders who typically do not require transfers. They posit that renovating the existing hub could serve community needs more effectively and economically compared to the costly relocation. Additionally, the lack of an enforceable maximum price in the contracts associated with the hub project raises alarms about potential financial mismanagement, drawing concern from various stakeholders committed to protecting public interests.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6335

In Accordance With Rhode Island General Laws Section 16-7-44 Approving The Issuance Of $1,000,000 Bonds By The Town Of Scituate To Finance A Water Project At The Scituate High School/middle School Including, But Not Limited To, Bonds And Notes Issued Pursuant To Financing Agreements With The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank

RI S0995

In Accordance With Rhode Island General Laws Section 16-7-44 Approving The Issuance Of $1,000,000 Bonds By The Town Of Scituate To Finance A Water Project At The Scituate High School/middle School Including, But Not Limited To, Bonds And Notes Issued Pursuant To Financing Agreements With The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank

RI H6404

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The 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, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI S0980

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The 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, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI H6211

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 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 S1074

Authorizing The Town Of North Smithfield To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Police Station Or The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration And Repair Of An Existing Building To Be Used As A Police Station, As Determined By The Town Council And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof By The Issue Of Not More Than $18,000,000 Of Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI H6451

Authorizing The Town Of North Smithfield To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Police Station Or The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration And Repair Of An Existing Building To Be Used As A Police Station, As Determined By The Town Council And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof By The Issue Of Not More Than $18,000,000 Of Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI H5406

House Resolution Proclaiming February 4, 2023, As "transit Equity Day" In The State Of Rhode Island In Honor Of Rosa Parks And Her Historic Fight For Equitable Public Transit

RI S0994

Authorizing The Town Of South Kingstown To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds And Notes To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Furnishing And Equipping Of A New High School, Athletic Facility, And Other School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto, Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping And Parking And All Attendant Expenses, Including Engineering, Architectural And Other Project-related Consulting Costs, Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.