H 7164Funding & Budget

H7164 - Rhode Island 2026

Appropriates $991,000 to Middletown to upgrade the new middle high school gymnasium into a regional emergency shelter.

Held for study

Population
Affected

Introduced Jan 16, 2026Committee House Finance

Plain-English Summary

This joint resolution authorizes a direct state appropriation of $991,000 to the town of Middletown for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The allocated funds are specifically designated to finance upgrades to the gymnasium at the newly constructed Middletown middle high school. By securing this funding, the town will be able to enhance the structural and operational capabilities of the school's athletic facility without relying solely on local municipal budgets.

The primary objective of these facility upgrades is to equip the gymnasium to serve as a fully functional regional emergency shelter. In the event of severe weather, natural disasters, or other localized crises, having a designated, well-equipped shelter is critical for public safety. By enhancing the school's infrastructure, the state and local government aim to provide a safe, centralized refuge for residents of Middletown and surrounding communities during times of need.

Administratively, the resolution directs the state controller to draw orders upon the general treasurer to disburse the $991,000 upon the receipt of properly authenticated vouchers. If passed by the General Assembly, this funding will be drawn from any unappropriated money in the state treasury. This legislation highlights the state's role in supporting municipal infrastructure projects that serve a broader regional public safety interest, ensuring that communities are better prepared for emergency situations.

For younger readers

This bill gives the town of Middletown $991,000 from the state government. The money will be used to improve the gym at the new middle and high school so it can be used as a safe shelter during emergencies like big storms.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups

Residents of MiddletownResidents of surrounding regional townsStudents and staff at Middletown middle high schoolEmergency management personnel

Impacted communities

Middletown

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

Low - Standard legislative appropriation of state funds for a public purpose.

Estimated cost

$991,000

Estimated revenue

Not specified

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints

For Progressives

Enhances public safety and emergency preparedness for the community.
Provides state support to local municipalities, reducing the burden on local property taxes.
Creates a regional resource that can help vulnerable populations during climate-related disasters.
Diverts state funds that could potentially be used for statewide social programs.
May prioritize one specific town over other communities with similar or greater emergency infrastructure needs.

For Conservatives

Invests in tangible, necessary public safety infrastructure.
Leverages existing government property (a school) for dual-use, which is an efficient use of resources.
Increases state spending by nearly $1 million.
Uses state taxpayer dollars for a localized project, which some may argue should be funded locally.

Votes

Loading votes...

Full Bill Text

RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2026-2027, the sum of $991,000 for the town of Middletown to upgrade the gymnasium at the new Middletown middle high school to serve as a regional emergency shelter; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw their orders upon the general treasurer for payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers. EXPLANATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF JOINTRESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $991,0 FOR THE TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN *** This resolution authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $991,000 for the town of Middletown to upgrade the gymnasium at the new Middletown middle high school to serve a regional emergency shelter.