Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7611

Introduced
2/15/24  

Caption

Utility relocation costs related to highway construction to be partially or fully paid for by the state.

Impact

If enacted, HB 7611 would significantly impact how utility relocations associated with highway construction are funded. The bill's intent is to streamline the reimbursement process and ensure that utility providers are adequately compensated for the costs incurred during demolition and reconstruction of necessary services when road improvements take place. State involvement in part funding these relocations could alleviate some of the economic stress faced by utility companies, potentially leading to a more efficient process in terms of both time and finances during infrastructure development.

Summary

House Bill 7611 pertains to the relocation of utility services necessitated by highway construction within the state. It is designed to amend the existing laws under Section 24-8.1 of the General Laws, specifically addressing the reimbursement processes for utility facilities that must be relocated due to state-initiated highway projects. The bill proposes that the state will cover fifty percent of the reasonable relocation costs for utility facilities owned by private corporations and companies, as well as full reimbursement for municipalities and political subdivisions. This aims to ease the financial burden placed upon owners when utility relocations are executed in connection with highway projects.

Contention

Discussions around HB 7611 would likely touch upon various concerns. On one side, supporters may argue that the bill is a sensible approach to managing utility relocations, as state reimbursement could incentivize timely compliance from utility owners. Conversely, critics might question the fairness of placing a partial financial burden on taxpayers to subsidize private utility companies. The balance between public interest in maintaining effective infrastructure and the financial implications of supporting utility relocations could lead to debate among committee members and the public.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6371

Relating To Statutes And Statutory Construction

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 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 H5200

Making Appropriations For The Support Of The State For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2024

RI S0018

Authorizing The Town Of North Providence To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvements, Furnishing And Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities In The Town, Including, But Not Limited To, The Construction Of Three Elementary Schools, The Renovation Of Two Middle Schools And The Construction Of New Administrative Offices, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 79.8% For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI H5101

Authorizing The Town Of North Providence To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvements, Furnishing And Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities In The Town, Including, But Not Limited To, The Construction Of Three Elementary Schools, The Renovation Of Two Middle Schools And The Construction Of New Administrative Offices, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 79.8% For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

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 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 S0722

Children With Disabilities -- Statutes And Statutory Construction

RI H5784

Forestry And Forest Product Operations

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