Central Falls seeks $50M bond for school construction and housing development

A pivotal discussion unfolded during the House Committee on Finance meeting on April 3, 2025, as lawmakers reviewed significant legislation impacting school construction and local recreational access in Rhode Island.

Central to the meeting was House Bill 6077, which seeks to authorize the city of Central Falls to issue up to $50 million in bonds for school construction. Representative Geraldo highlighted the urgency of this bill, noting that the funding is crucial to close a financing gap for a new dual-language elementary school, following the successful construction of a new high school. The local bond aims to facilitate the completion of this project, which is expected to allow the city to close one school and potentially develop housing on that site. The bill has garnered strong local support, with a 90% approval rate from city voters in November 2024.

In addition to school funding, the committee also discussed House Bill 5391, which proposes giving Rhode Island residents priority access to state recreational facilities. This bill, introduced by a representative responding to concerns from veterans and local residents, aims to provide a two-hour reservation window exclusively for residents before non-residents can book campsites and other facilities. The representative emphasized the need for local residents to have first access, especially given the competition from out-of-state visitors.

Another significant proposal was House Bill 6129, which seeks to enable West Warwick to issue a $71 million school bond. The town is facing challenges with overcrowded schools, with two schools reported to be overpopulated by nearly 20%. The bill aims to address these pressing educational needs and accommodate anticipated growth in the community.

As the committee continues to deliberate on these bills, the outcomes could have lasting impacts on education infrastructure and recreational access for Rhode Island residents. The discussions reflect a broader commitment to addressing local needs and ensuring that community voices are heard in the legislative process.