RI H7871

Amends Rhode Island law to require the state to pay the full cost of utility facility relocations necessitated by federally-aided highway projects, including federal aid primary/secondary systems and interstate highways

Removes a prior reimbursement formula that limited state payments to 50% of relocation costs, shifting full relocation expenses to the state as part of highway project costs

Eliminates previous restrictions that prohibited reimbursement for betterments and required utilities to meet state-established target dates and design criteria to qualify for reimbursement

Applies to utility facilities owned by private corporations, private companies, municipalities, political subdivisions, state agencies, and authorities, whether located within or outside public ways

Takes effect immediately upon passage