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RI H8204
Joint Resolution
Status
2/27/2026
Primary Sponsor
Mary Messier
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AI Summary
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Authorizes the State of Rhode Island to enter into a financing agreement with the Rhode Island Health and Educational Building Corporation for approximately $150,000,000 to fund renovations or construction of Samuel Slater Middle School in Pawtucket, with total debt service estimated between $268.8 million and $346.4 million over 15-30 years at 5% interest.
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Empowers the City of Pawtucket to issue up to $22,500,000 in city bonds, notes, or other debt instruments to fund its portion of the project, covering design, demolition, construction, athletic fields, landscaping, and parking.
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Requires voter approval at the November 3, 2026 election or a special election designated by the city council before the city bonding provisions take effect.
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Project requires Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) approval before any bonds can be issued; the project is ineligible for traditional state housing aid reimbursement but qualifies for foundational aid on a pay-as-you-go basis.
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State payment obligations under the financing agreement are subject to annual appropriation by the General Assembly, and corporation bonds do not constitute state debt or pledge the state's full faith and credit.
Legislative Description
JOINT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE STATE TO ENTER INTO A FINANCING AGREEMENT RELATING TO SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION IN THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET TO FINANCE RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS TO SAMUEL SLATER MIDDLE SCHOOL FACILITIES, OR THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF A NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL AND SCHOOL FACILITIES AND ALL EXPENSES INCIDENT THERETO INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COSTS OF DESIGN, DEMOLITION, ATHLETIC FIELDS, LANDSCAPING AND PARKING BY THE ISSUANCE OF NOT MORE THAN $22,500,000 CITY BONDS, CITY NOTES AND/OR OTHER EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS THEREFOR (Authorizes bonds to finance school construction in the city of Pawtucket.)
Last Action
Introduced, referred to House Finance
2/27/2026