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.)

Plain-English Summary

This bill is a joint resolution that would allow the City of Pawtucket, Rhode Island to borrow up to $22.5 million to address the condition of Samuel Slater Middle School. The money could be used in one of two ways: either to renovate and repair the existing Samuel Slater Middle School building, or to build an entirely new middle school. The funds could also cover related costs such as design work, demolition, athletic fields, landscaping, and parking. To borrow this money, Pawtucket would be authorized to issue bonds, notes, or similar financial instruments — essentially, a form of government borrowing that gets repaid over time.

The resolution also authorizes the State of Rhode Island to enter into a financing agreement connected to this school project. This is a common arrangement in which the state plays a role in backing or structuring the borrowing, which can help the city secure better loan terms. School construction projects in Rhode Island typically involve a state reimbursement component, meaning the state may help cover a portion of the costs.

This bill would most directly affect residents and students in Pawtucket, particularly families with children attending or expected to attend Samuel Slater Middle School. Pawtucket taxpayers could ultimately be responsible for repaying the borrowed funds, depending on how the financing is structured. The bill has been introduced and referred to the House Finance Committee, meaning it is still in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been voted on.