Bill
SB 3231
Rhode Island would issue up to $67.5 million in general obligation bonds to fund environmental, open space, resilience, and recreation projects if voters approve in 2026.
Purpose and overall intent
- SB 3231 proposes a statewide ballot question at the November 2026 general election to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes to fund a 2026 Capital Development Program focused on environmental, recreational, infrastructure, and open-space projects.
- The total proposed authorization is $67.5 million, designated as “capital development bonds” for a slate of specific projects listed in the bill.
- If voters approve, the state would issue bonds up to the authorized aggregate amount and use the proceeds to finance the listed projects. The bill also authorizes refunding bonds in the future to refinance the original debt, with certain maturity limits.
Key provisions and project allocations (Green Economy and Clean Energy Bonds – up to $50,000,000)
The bill breaks down the funding for environmental, recreational, and resiliency projects as follows (within the $67.5 million total, the green economy/natural resources portion is up to $50 million):
A. Brownfields Remediation and Economic Development – $3,000,000
- Up to 80% matching grants for brownfield remediation projects for public, private, or nonprofit entities.
B. Facility Improvements – $8,000,000
- Renovation and repair of existing facilities and recreational venues; development/construction of new facilities and parks.
C. Local Recreation Projects – $1,000,000
- Up to 80% matching grants for municipalities to acquire, develop, or rehabilitate local recreational facilities.
D. Marine Infrastructure Development – $1,000,000
- Asset protection and emergency repair for marine-related facilities and infrastructure.
E. Resilient Rhody Infrastructure Fund – $20,000,000
- Financial assistance to local governments to restore/improve infrastructure resiliency, coastal habitats, rivers/streams floodplain restoration.
- Prioritized to leverage matching funds and support stormwater abatement, public safety, and flood/event resilience.
F. Narragansett Bay Watershed Restoration – $7,000,000
- Activities to restore/protect water quality and watershed health (nonpoint source pollution abatement, stormwater, nutrient management, pollution abatement, riparian restoration).
G. Energy Efficiency – $10,000,000
- Financing for energy efficiency infrastructure projects.
H. Farmland Preservation – $2,000,000
- Support working farms via the Agricultural Lands Preservation Commission.
I. Local Open Space Grants – $2,000,000
- Matching grants to municipalities, land trusts, and nonprofits for open space/conservation acquisitions or easements.
J. Statewide Open Space – $3,000,000
- Protect open space, farmland, and recreation lands through state land acquisition and conservation easements.
- Federal/local/nonprofit matching expected; every state dollar matched by three dollars in non-state funds.
K. Outdoor Recreation Grants – $3,000,000
- Matching grants to create or improve parks, playgrounds, fields, and other recreation facilities.
L. Fort Adams – $5,000,000
- Improvements/renovations to Fort Adams (historic asset) for preservation, restoration, and public access.
M. Mariner Academy and Program Center – $2,500,000
- Funds for Girl Scouts programming at Mariner Cabin/Program Center (Aquidneck Island, Newport) to provide marine science/oceanography education and climate resilience.
- Facility upgrades include ADA accessibility, solar readiness, rainwater capture, year-round operation, and a second-story residence for safety/maintenance.
Additional procedural/structural details
- Section 2: Ballot labeling – The Secretary of State must prepare ballot labels for each project with “approve” or “reject” so voters can vote on each item individually.
- Section 3: Approval mechanics – Any project approved by voters becomes eligible; the total borrowing authority is capped by the aggregate amount approved by the people.
- Section 4–7: Bond mechanics – Authorizes the General Treasurer (with Governor’s approval) to issue bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes; defines terms of issuance, denominations ($1,000 increments), maturity (no later than the end of the 20th state fiscal year after issuance), interest terms, redemption, and related provisions.
- Section 8: Tax status – Bonds/notes are tax-exempt and constitute general obligations of the state; full faith and credit pledged for timely payment.
- Section 9: Investment of funds – Capital Development Fund invests via the State Investment Commission; investment income goes to the General Fund to service debt unless directed otherwise.
- Section 10: Annual appropriation – Debt service is appropriated as needed if not otherwise provided.
- Section 11: Advances from General Fund – Allows temporary advances to the Capital Development Fund, to be repaid upon bond proceeds receipt.
- Section 12: Federal/private funds – Director may apply for/accept federal grants or private funds and integrate them with the program; funds may be deposited into the Capital Development Fund.
- Section 13: Effective date – Sections 1, 2, 3, 11, and 13 take effect upon passage; remaining sections take effect only if a majority of voters approves the Section 1 proposition.
Who is affected
- Rhode Island state government (General Treasurer, Governor, Director of Administration) would administer and issue bonds, manage funds, and oversee project implementation.
- Local governments, municipalities, conservation groups, land trusts, and private/nonprofit entities could receive grants or funding for open space, recreation, resilience infrastructure, brownfield remediation, and related projects.
- General public voters would decide, at the November 2026 election, whether to authorize the bond issuance for the listed projects.
Timeline and electoral mechanics
- Ballot initiative to appear at the November 2026 general election.
- Ballot labels will show approve/reject for each project; individual project approvals determine eligible borrowing.
- If approved, bonds would be issued in the 2026 capital development program, with potential refunding bonds in the future under specified terms.
Notes
- The total authorization is $67.5 million, with a substantial emphasis on environmental resilience, open space, and coastal/watershed initiatives in addition to traditional recreation and historic preservation.
- The bill provides a comprehensive framework for issuing, repaying, and potentially refunding debt, while integrating federal/private funds where feasible.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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