Rhode Island House Approves Bill for Utility Line Burying

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Crew working on burying utility lines to improve safety and aesthetics in Rhode Island.

News Summary

The Rhode Island House of Representatives passed a bill to bury utility lines between Bold Point Park and India Point Park. The legislation, backed by Representative Matthew Dawson, clears the way for improved infrastructure, although funding and cost burdens raise concerns among some lawmakers. The project, funded mainly by a settlement with Narragansett Electric Company, will eventually increase utility rates for residents in Providence and East Providence. As the bill awaits the governor’s approval, its implications for local communities remain under scrutiny.

Providence, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island House of Representatives has approved a significant bill aimed at burying utility lines between Bold Point Park in East Providence and India Point Park in Providence. The legislation, sponsored by Representative Matthew Dawson, passed with a decisive vote of 52-17. With the Rhode Island Senate previously endorsing the bill with a vote of 30-5, it now awaits the signature of Governor Dan McKee.

The funding for this ambitious project primarily comes from a settlement achieved in 2004 involving the Narragansett Electric Company. Although the company proposed rebates to its customers, both Providence and East Providence declined this offer. Instead, the cities have allocated the settlement funds to help cover the costs of burying utility lines, which is projected to accounting for about two-thirds of the total expenses of the project.

However, the remaining costs will be passed on to local utility ratepayers through scheduled rate hikes. East Providence residents are expected to see an increase of about $32, while those in Providence will face an increase of approximately $77 over the course of three years. This aspect of the bill has raised concerns among some lawmakers.

Representative David Morales has expressed unease regarding the financial implications of the project, highlighting a disparity wherein residents of Providence would bear a higher expenditure compared to their East Providence counterparts. His comments reflect broader concerns about the allocation of costs and benefits associated with the project.

Further reinforcing these apprehensions, Representative Joseph Solomon noted that timely action in advancing this project could have yielded cost savings, suggesting that deliberations have already made financial burdens heavier for local ratepayers. He reiterated the critical nature of making decisions swiftly to avoid additional costs in the future.

While some legislators focus on the financial aspects, others like Morales questioned the prioritization of aesthetic improvements funded by the settlement. He advocated for directing investments toward urgent infrastructure needs, specifically referencing the Port of Providence and Washington Park, which require immediate attention and upgrades.

In defense of the project, Representative Dawson emphasized the safety implications of burying utility lines. He pointed out that during storms, overhead lines are vulnerable to damage, which can lead to substantial recovery costs for the communities. His support suggests there is a recognition of the potential risks and the importance of mitigating such concerns through proactive infrastructure changes.

In addition, Representative Stephen Casey addressed the broader implications of aging electric infrastructure in both cities, noting that failure to address these issues could lead to significant electric problems in the near future. The awareness of such infrastructural challenges underscores the necessity for this project in ensuring reliable utility services for residents.

As the bill nears the governor’s desk, the anticipated developments in response from Governor McKee’s office remain under wraps, with no official statements available thus far. The successful passage of the bill marks a critical step towards enhancing the utility infrastructure and preserving the aesthetic character of the scenic route along the waterfront between East Providence and Providence.

The emphasis on upgrading the power lines not only aims to reduce the risks associated with adverse weather events but is also viewed as a necessary modernization effort reflecting the needs of residents and the communities involved.