Allows the commissioners of the water and sewer commission for the town of Jamestown to limit its public water system's obligation to supply water only within designated and described area as opposed to the entire land area of the town.
Impact
The passage of S2414 would represent a significant shift in how local water resources are managed in Jamestown, allowing for a more concentrated and efficient allocation of water supply services. By limiting their obligations to a defined area, the commission can better manage resources, potentially reducing waste and ensuring that water is supplied to those areas that it can reliably service. However, this may also raise concerns regarding access to water for residents outside the designated service area, potentially leading to inequities in water access within the town.
Summary
S2414 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly that pertains to the management of public water resources specifically within the town of Jamestown. The key provision of the bill empowers the commissioners of the Jamestown water and sewer commission to limit their obligation to supply water only to applicants who reside within a specifically defined service area, as opposed to the previous requirement to service the entire land area of the town. This amendment aims to clarify and delineate the responsibility of the local water authority, potentially improving efficiency in water management within the town.
Contention
While the bill received broad support, evident from the voting history which shows a unanimous passage with 35 yeas and no nays, it also raises questions regarding the implications for residents not included in the newly defined service area. Critics may argue that such limitations could exacerbate disparities in access to essential resources if adequate protections or provisions are not put in place to address the needs of those who reside outside the designated zones. The discussions surrounding the bill may reflect broader debates about local control versus state mandates in water resource management.
Authorizing The Town Of Middletown To Issue Not To Exceed $190,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Furnishing And Equipping Of A Middle School And High School And The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Furnishing And Equipping Of School Facilities Throughout The Town And All Attendant Expenses Including, But Not Limited To, Demolition, Engineering, Architectural And Landscaping Costs