Voter Information Handbook

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BAL LOT

BA LLO_T

A Guide to State Referenda

and Voting Procedures in Rhode Island

Special Election

March 2, 2021

Voter Information

Handbook

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Dear Rhode Island Voter:

I am sending you this guide to remind you of the Special Election scheduled for March 2, 2021 to vote on very important ballot measures related to state spending. As your Secretary of State, it is my responsibility to make sure you are able to exercise your right to vote safely and securely. Your vote is your voice in how Rhode Island allocates funding on projects across the state.

As a Rhode Island voter, you have three options for safely and securely casting a ballot and this guide offers more information on each of these voting methods. I urge you to make your voice heard. If you have applied for a mail ballot, be sure to fill out your ballot and return it as quickly as possible (see page 5).

Your guide also contains information about the seven state bond questions you will be asked to approve or reject. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these questions before filling out your ballot.

You can view your sample ballot on your cell phone or your computer by going to our online Voter Information Center (vote.ri.gov).

Your vote matters. Please help me get this information to as many people as possible by sharing it with your friends and family. This guide is also available on our website (vote.ri.gov).

If you need additional information, please contact our Elections Division at 401-222-2340, TTY 711;

or email us at [email protected].

Make a difference. Be A Voter!

Nellie M. Gorbea

Secretary of State

P.S. Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@RISecState), on Facebook (RISecState), and on Instagram @RISecState!

401-222-2340 [email protected] vote.ri.gov @RISecState

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BALLOT

CONTACT US

Preview a sample ballot

You can see a sample of your local ballot by visiting the online Voter Information Center at vote.ri.gov.

Voting early in-person

Contact your local board of canvassers to determine their early voting hours. See page 19 for contact information.

Voting on Election Day

Go to vote.ri.gov to find your polling place.

Wear a mask when voting

in person!

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Ways to Vote ... 4

Voting from Home ... 5

Voting In-Person ... 6

Accessibility and Voting Assistance at the Polls ... 7

State Bond Referenda Questions ... 8

Question 1 - Higher Education Facilities ... 9

Question 2 - Beach, Clean Water and Green Bond ... 10

Question 3 - Housing and Community Opportunity ... 12

Question 4 - Transportation Infrastructure State Match ... 13

Question 5 - Early Childhood Care and Education Capital Fund ... 14

Question 6 - Cultural Arts and the Economy Grant Program and State Preservation Grants Program ... 15

Question 7 - Industrial Facilities Infrastructure... 17

Definitions of Terms ... 18

Local Boards of Canvassers, State Board of Elections, and Disability Rights Rhode Island Contact Information ... 19

WARNING

Voter fraud is a felony and is punishable by a fine and/or a jail sentence.

You must be a United States citizen and registered to vote from your actual place of residence.

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VOTE EARLY IN-PERSON

February 10 - March 1

VOTE ON ELECTION DAY

VOTE FROM HOME

Voting from home is a safe and easy option for those

voters who do not want to vote in-person.

Voters who completed their mail ballot application and

returned it by the deadline (

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

at 4:00 p.m.

),

will have a mail ballot sent to them.

Refer to page 5 for important information about

returning your mail ballot.

Ballot

Call your local board of canvassers for

voting hours and accessible voting entrance.

Preview your ballot at

vote.ri.gov

Bring a valid photo ID

Wear a mask!

Find your polling place and polling place

hours at

vote.ri.gov

Preview your ballot at

vote.ri.gov

Bring a valid photo ID

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x_Signature

Voter’s Mail Ballot Certificate RI Driver’s License/State ID Last 4 SSN

or Official Mail Ballot

Board of Elections P.O. Box 6128 Providence, RI 02940 Voted Ballot

x

_Signature

Voter’s Mail Ballot Certificate

RI Driver’s License/State ID Last 4 SSN

or

Voting from Home

Voting from home with a mail ballot is a safe and secure option for voters who do not want to vote in-person.

All mail ballot applications must have been received by 4 p.m. on February 9. Please contact your local board

of canvassers if you missed the application deadline and do not want to vote in-person. Below are the procedures for securely returning your voted mail ballot:

x

_SignatureVoter’s Mail Ballot Certificate

RI Driver’s License/State ID Last 4 SSN

or

• Insert the voted ballot into the Voter’s Mail Ballot Certificate (smaller) envelope. • Seal it.

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• Place completed Voter’s Mail Ballot Certificate envelope into the larger envelope addressed to the Board of Elections.

• Seal it. • Print your telephone number

(In case there are questions re-garding your ballot.)

• Include your RI Driver’s License/ State ID or last four digits of your Social Security Number (optional).

• Sign the envelope. (This will be compared to the signature in your voter record.)

RETURN BY MAIL

RETURN BY DROP BOX

• No postage necessary • Drop your ballot off at any

24-hour drop box in RI.

• Must be in a drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day (March 2).

Go to vote.ri.gov to learn more about drop box locations.

• No postage necessary

• Be sure to mail your ballot by February 23 to ensure it is received by Election Day.

• Your ballot must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day (March 2).

SECURE DROP BOX MAI L BALL OT Board o_{f Electio} ns P.O. B_{ox 6128} Provide_{nce, R} I 02940 ELECTIONS MAI L BALL OT Board o f Electio_ns P.O. B_{ox 612} 8 Provide_{nce, R} I 02940

Track your ballot

vote.ri.gov

SECURE

Questions about your ballot?

Contact the Board of Elections: 401-222-2345 or at

If you make a mistake when marking

the ballot

• If you make a mistake when marking your ballot, DO NOT cross out on the ballot.

• Immediately contact the Department of State’s Elections

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If you make a mistake when marking the ballot

Bring your ballot to an elections official and ask for a new one to start over.

If your name does not appear on the voter list, you do not have an acceptable form of photo ID, or there is another potential issue with your eligibility to vote.

You will be allowed to cast a provisional ballot on Election Day. This means that your vote may be counted by your local board of canvassers after Election Day.

Different address?

If you moved within the same city/town without updating your voter registration address you will need to complete an affirmation form before voting.

vote person at your city or town hall during their regular business hours. Or you may vote

in-person at your polling place on Election Day.

Mark your ballot

Read the directions at the top of the ballot.

Check both sides of the ballot.

Fill in the oval to the left of your choice.

Count your vote!

Remove your ballot from the secrecy folder and insert only your ballot into the voting machine.

Check-in

› Provide your photo ID.

› Sign the electronic poll book screen. The elections official will provide you with a ballot and a secrecy folder and direct you to a voting booth.

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FIND YOUR VOTING PLACE BALLOT REVIEW YOUR

BALLOT BRING A VALID PHOTO ID WEAR A MASK

Wear your

“I VOTED” sticker.

Be voter ready!

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Accessibility and Voting Assistance at the Polls

Accessible polling place for elderly, disabled and visually impaired voters

Each polling place will have at least one handicapped-accessible voting booth designated for priority use by voters who are over 65 years of age or have some disability.

Voters who have a medical disability which would cause the voter to experience severe discomfort by standing in line will be allowed to move to the front of the line.

Each polling place will also be equipped with a sheet magnifier to assist voters who are visually impaired.

Use the AutoMark unit to mark your ballot in private. Place your ballot into the AutoMark unit. Follow the

Insert your ballot into the secrecy folder and go to the voting machine.

Remove ballot from the secrecy folder and insert your ballot into the voting machine. Receive ballot and

secrecy folder from the poll worker.

If the polling place you are assigned to is inaccessible, you should notify your local board of canvassers and they will arrange an alternate means for you to cast your vote.

Secrecy Folder

Using the accessible AutoMark equipment

In accordance with the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and state law, an accessible voting unit (AutoMark) will be available at each polling place for every primary and election.

The AutoMark can read and mark the ballot for the voter. This allows voters with reading, vision and other disabilities to mark their ballot privately and independently.

All registered voters are automatically entitled to use the accessible voting equipment located at each polling place. No special applications are required.

When you arrive at your polling place, you will proceed to the check-in table and tell poll workers that you wish to use the AutoMark to assist in marking your ballot.

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Insert here

Any voter who requires assistance to vote by reason of blindness, disability, or inability to read or write may be given assistance by a pair of poll workers or a person of the voter’s choice. The voter’s employer or agent of that employer, or an officer or agent of the voter’s union ARE PROHIBITED from providing assistance.

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STATE BOND QUESTIONS PRINCIPAL INTEREST TOTAL COSTS

1. Higher Education Facilities $107,300,000 $64,900,592 $172,200,592

2. Beach, Clean Water and Green

Bond $74,000,000 $44,759,029 $118,759,029

3. Housing and Community

Opportunity $65,000,000 $39,315,363 $104,315,363

4. Transportation Infrastructure

State Match $71,700,000 $43,367,870 $115,067,870

5. Early Childhood Care and

Education Capital Fund $15,000,000 $9,072,776 $24,072,776

6. Cultural Arts and the Economy Grant Program and State

Preservation Grants Program $7,000,000 $4,233,962 $11,233,962

7. Industrial Facilities Infrastructure $60,000,000 $36,291,105 $96,291,105

TOTAL BORROWING COSTS

FOR ALL REFERENDA $400,000,000 $241,940,697 $641,940,697

The total costs above are only estimates based on 20-year loans and an interest rate of 5%.

On the ballot, you will be asked:

“Shall the action of the General Assembly, by an act passed at the January 2020 session, authorizing the issuance of bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes of the state of Rhode Island for the capital projects and in the amount with respect to each such project listed below (Questions 1-7) be approved, and the issuance of bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes authorized in accordance with the provisions of said act?”, followed by each bond question.

The following pages provide more information about each of the bond questions including their total estimated cost

What is a bond?

A bond is like a mortgage or loan. Just like people might borrow money to get an education or buy a home, the State is asking to borrow money from a lender with the promise to pay it back over time with interest. These questions are asking you for permission to borrow and invest in different areas of our state.

Here is a table of the bond proposals and their associated costs including principal and interest. Just as with a mortgage or loan, the total cost includes the principal amount borrowed and the amount of interest paid over the term of the bond. The total cost also includes any fees, printing, or underwriting expenses associated with issuing the bonds.

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1. HIGHER EDUCATION FACILITIES - $107,300,000

To provide capital improvements to higher education facilities, to be allocated as follows:

(a) University of Rhode Island Fine Arts Center - $57,300,000 (b) Rhode Island College Clarke Science Building Renovation - $38,000,000

(c) Community College of Rhode Island Renovation and Modernization - $12,000,000

Approve Reject

Approve

Your vote to “Approve” means that you support the State issuing $107,300,000 in general obligation bonds to invest in higher education facilities.

Reject

Your vote to “Reject” means that you are against the State issuing $107,300,000 in general obligation bonds to invest in higher education facilities.

About Question 1:

What it will look like on the ballot:

Explanation and purpose of Question 1:

These bonds would provide funds to the State of Rhode Island to pay for higher education-related construction projects: (a) University of Rhode Island Fine Arts Center - $57,300,000

Approval of these bonds would provide funding to design, renovate and construct a new facility and infrastructure for the Fine Arts Center on the Kingston Campus.

(b) Rhode Island College Clarke Science Building Renovation - $38,000,000

Approval of these bonds would provide funding to renovate and expand the Clarke Science Building. (c) Community College of Rhode Island Renovation and Modernization - $12,000,000

Approval of these bonds would provide funding to design and renovate the student support and classroom spaces on the Knight and Flanagan campuses to address deferred maintenance and to improve accessibility and functionality.

How much money will be borrowed?

$107,300,000

Project timetable:

(a) University of Rhode Island Fine Arts Center construction is expected to be completed, and the building will be ready for use by September 2024. (b) Rhode Island College Clarke Science Building Renovation is expected to commence in 2022. Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2024. (c) Community College of Rhode Island Knight and Flanagan campus renovations are expected to commence in December 2021. Construction is anticipated to be completed on or about March 2023.

Useful life:

(a) The University of Rhode Island estimates that the useful life of the newly renovated Fine Arts Center will be approximately 50 years.

(b) Rhode Island College estimates that the useful life of the renovated Clarke Science Building will be approximately 50 years.

(c) The Community College of Rhode Island estimates that the useful life of the Knight and Flanagan campus renovations will be approximately 30 years.

Total cost:

PROJECT COSTS COST OF ISSUANCE* Principal Interest** Principal Interest**

TOTAL PROJECT AND ISSUANCE COSTS

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2. BEACH, CLEAN WATER AND GREEN BOND -

$74,000,000

For environmental and recreational purposes, to be allocated as follows: (a) State Beaches, Parks, and Campgrounds - $33,000,000

(b) I-195 Park - $4,000,000

(c) Local Recreation Projects - $4,000,000 (d) Natural and Working Lands - $3,000,000 (e) Clean Water and Drinking Water - $15,000,000 (f) Municipal Resiliency - $7,000,000

(g) Providence River Dredging - $6,000,000

(h) Woonasquatucket River Watershed - $2,000,000

Approve

Your vote to “Approve” means that you support the State issuing $74,000,000 in general obligation bonds for environmental and recreational purposes.

Reject

Your vote to “Reject” means that you are against the State issuing $74,000,000 in general obligation bonds for environmental and recreational purposes.

These bonds would be issued to allow the State to invest in improving the environment and public recreation facilities. The $74,000,000 will be allocated as outlined below for major capital improvements at state beaches, parks, and campgrounds, for park infrastructure on the former I-195 land, for local recreation projects, to protect natural and working lands, for clean water and drinking water projects, to improve municipal resiliency, to dredge the Providence River, and for recreation and infrastructure improvements along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway. Specifically, approval of this question will provide:

(a) $33,000,000 for major capital improvements at state beaches, parks, and campgrounds. Funds will be used for new or upgraded facilities at locations such as Goddard Memorial State Park, Roger Wheeler State Beach, Scarborough State Beach, Misquamicut State Beach, Colt State Park, Brenton Point State Park, and state campgrounds.

(b) $4,000,000 for park infrastructure development on the former I-195 land in Providence. The nearly 7-acre park spans both sides of the Providence River and is connected by a pedestrian bridge that opened in 2019. Funds will be used to construct park infrastructure to enhance utilities, support park operations and programming, and enable food and beverage service.

(c) $4,000,000 for up to 80% matching grants for municipalities to acquire, develop, or rehabilitate local outdoor recreation facilities such as parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields.

(d) $3,000,000 to protect forested land and working farmland across Rhode Island through the purchase of

conservation easements. This funding will enable farmers to remain in business and keep land productive. It will also protect forested lands and the associated benefits that they provide including cleaning our drinking water, providing habitat for wildlife, sequestering carbon emissions, and providing economic opportunities for rural communities.

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We anticipate most projects will be completed within five years of their commencement.

Useful life:

The Department of Environmental Management estimates the useful life of the improvements to be made to parks, beaches, campgrounds, local recreational facilities, water infrastructure, and local municipal facilities to be 25 to 50 years.

The Department of Environmental Management estimates the useful life of forested land and working farmland to be permanent.

The Coastal Resources Management Council estimates the useful life of dredging the Downtown Providence River to be approximately up to 20 years. ly 50 years.

Total cost:

$73,704,000 $44,580,029 $296,000 $179,000

* Cost of issuance estimated at 0.4 % of principal issued.

** Assumes an interest rate of 5%, with bonds amortized with level payments over 20 years.

Principal Interest** Total Costs

$74,000,000 $44,759,029 $118,759,029

(e) $15,000,000 for investment in the Clean and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds to improve the quality of our state’s waters. These funds will be used to unlock $75,000,000 in federal funds for infrastructure improvements, including drinking water and wastewater treatment upgrades, stormwater quality improvements, combined sewer overflow abatement projects, and water distribution system improvements. These projects help to improve water quality by reducing pollution, ensure access to safe drinking water, and promote economic development.

(f) $7,000,000 for up to 75% matching grants to municipalities for restoring and/or improving the resiliency of infrastructure, vulnerable coastal habitats, river and stream floodplains, and watersheds. These grants will help cities and towns to identify top hazards, improve community resiliency, and strengthen public safety in the face of increased flooding and more frequent and intense storm events.

(g) $6,000,000 for dredging of the Providence River for purposes of economic development, infrastructure maintenance, enhanced tourism opportunities, and improved water depths for boating, recreation, and climate resiliency.

(h) $2,000,000 for the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council to develop, improve, and rehabilitate public recreational projects and infrastructure along the Woonasquatucket River and its Greenway, from North Smithfield and Glocester through Smithfield, North Providence, Johnston and Providence.

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Total cost:

$64,740,000 $39,158,363 $260,000 $157,000

These funds would be used to increase the availability of affordable housing and support community revitalization through the redevelopment of existing structures, new construction, and property acquisition.

$65,000,000

Redevelopment of existing structures and/or the new construction of affordable housing is expected to commence as early as 2021 and to be completed by 2026.

Useful life:

The useful life of the redeveloped and/or newly constructed affordable housing is estimated to be a minimum of 30 years.

3. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY -

$65,000,000

To increase the availability of affordable housing and support community revitalization through the redevelopment of existing structures, new construction, and property acquisition.

Approve

Your vote to “Approve” means that you support the State issuing $65,000,000 in general obligation bonds to improve housing

affordability and support community revitalization efforts.

Reject

Your vote to “Reject” means that you are against the State issuing $65,000,000 in general obligation bonds to improve housing

affordability and support community revitalization efforts.

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Total cost:

$71,413,000 $43,194,870 $287,000 $173,000

About Question 4:

What it will look like on the ballot:

4. TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE STATE MATCH

- $71,700,000

To match federal funds and provide direct funding for needed and planned improvements to the state’s transportation infrastructure, including ports, highways, roads, and bridges.

Approve

Your vote to “Approve” means that you support the State issuing $71,700,000 in general obligation bonds to match federal transportation funds.

Reject

Your vote to “Reject” means that you are against the State issuing $71,700,000 in general obligation bonds to match federal transportation funds.

$71,700,000 $43,367,870 $115,067,870

To provide funds to the Department of Transportation to continue the reconstruction of Rhode Island’s deficient roads and bridges.

The $71.7 million in this bond will be combined with $286.8 million funding by the federal government to provide a total of $358.5 million additional dollars to be used solely for the purpose of continuing the rebuilding of Rhode Island’s deficient roads and bridges.

$71,700,000

The bond proceeds combined with the federal funding will be used in fiscal year 2021 and fiscal year 2022.

Useful life:

While each project will differ, the useful life of a bridge can be up to 75 years.

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Total cost:

$14,940,000 $9,036,776 $60,000 $36,000

5. EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION CAPITAL

FUND - $15,000,000

For physical improvements to and development of licensed early childhood care and education facilities through an Early Childhood Care and Education Capital Fund.

Approve

Your vote to “Approve” means that you support the State issuing $15,000,000 in general obligation bonds to fund physical space improvements for early childhood education facilities across Rhode Island.

Reject

Your vote to “Reject” means that you are against the State issuing $15,000,000 in general obligation bonds to fund physical space improvements for early childhood education facilities across Rhode Island.

$15,000,000 $9,072,776 $24,072,776

These bonds would provide funds for the creation of an Early Childhood Facilities Fund, administered under supervision of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS), to improve the quality of early childhood education facilities across the State.

Early learning centers and public school buildings suffer from deferred maintenance. Early Childhood Facilities Needs Assessment indicate that more than half of buildings used for early childhood classrooms were in “poor” condition, and the majority of outdoor play spaces posed significant safety concerns.

The funding would be distributed through small grants for urgent health and safety needs and provide for quality improvement and reconfiguration of space; a larger pool to address the creation or rehabilitation of vacant or blighted properties to create new, high quality spaces; and a set aside for intensive project technical support, training and compliance.

$15,000,000

The Department of Human Services plans to disburse bond proceeds over a three-year time period

commencing in fiscal year 2022.

Useful life:

While each project and facility will differ, the Department of Human Services’ expectation is that investments will have a useful life of between 10 and 20 years.

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About Question 6:

What it will look like on the ballot:

6. CULTURAL ARTS AND THE ECONOMY GRANT

PROGRAM AND STATE PRESERVATION GRANTS

PROGRAM - $7,000,000

To fund the Cultural Arts and the Economy Grant Program and the State Preservation Grants Program, to be allocated as follows:

(a) Cultural Arts and the Economy Grant Program - $6,000,000 For 1:1 matching grants to continue the Cultural Arts and the Economy Grant Program administered by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts for capital improvement, preservation and renovation projects for public and nonprofit artistic, performance centers, museums and cultural art centers located throughout the State of Rhode Island as follows:

• Trinity Repertory Company - $2,500,000 • Rhode Island Philharmonic - $1,500,000

• Other funds to be allocated by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts - $2,000,000

(b) State Preservation Grants Program - $1,000,000

Approve

Your vote to “Approve” means that you support the State issuing $7,000,000 in general obligation bonds to fund cultural arts programs.

Reject

Your vote to “Reject” means that you are against the State issuing $7,000,000 in general obligation bonds to fund cultural arts programs.

These bonds will be used to improve arts, cultural [and historic] facilities, and increase their ability to contribute to the cultural, educational and economic life of our State. Every community has cultural [and historic] facilities which contribute to the local economy. Funding will be made available to support public and nonprofit artistic, performance centers, historic sites, museums and cultural art centers located in communities throughout the State, to be allocated as follows:

(a) Cultural Arts and the Economy Grant Program - $6,000,000 • Trinity Repertory Company - $2,500,000

For the Lederer Theater and the Pell Chafee Performance Center, both in Providence, used for performance facilities, educational instruction, production and administration.

• Rhode Island Philharmonic - $1,500,000

For the Carter Center for Music Education and Performance in East Providence, used for music teaching, learning, performance and administration.

• Other funds to be allocated by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) - $2,000,000

For 1:1 matching grants to be allocated by RISCA to 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organizations which lease or own their performance space, and for RISCA expenses in administering the program. In awarding such grants RISCA shall

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$7,000,000

Total cost:

$6,972,000 $4,216,962 $28,000 $17,000

$7,000,000 $4,233,962 $11,233,962

Bond proceeds will be made available to nonprofit arts organizations [and historic properties] beginning in 2021 and will expect to be awarded for a period of three to five years.

Useful life:

While each project and facility will differ, the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts’ expectation is that buildings will remain in service for up to 20 years.

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Total cost:

$59,760,000 $36,146,105 $240,000 $145,000

About Question 7:

What it will look like on the ballot:

7. INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE -

$60,000,000

To fund industrial facilities infrastructure improvements, to be allocated as follows:

(a) Industrial Site Development - $40,000,000

(b) Port of Davisville Infrastructure at Quonset - $20,000,000

Approve

Your vote to “Approve” means that you support the State issuing $60,000,000 in general obligation bonds to fund industrial facilities infrastructure improvements.

Reject

Your vote to “Reject” means that you are against the State issuing $60,000,000 in general obligation bonds to fund industrial facilities infrastructure improvements.

$60,000,000 $36,291,105 $96,291,105

These bonds would provide funds for economic development activity through the Quonset Development Corporation (“QDC”).

(a) Industrial Site Development - $40,000,000

Provides $40 million to replicate Quonset’s “Site Readiness” initiative throughout Rhode Island. Funds would facilitate the preparation of business-ready parcels for purposes related to manufacturing and other activities. QDC would administer the effort, including small grants for pre-development purposes.

(b) Port of Davisville Infrastructure at Quonset - $20,000,000

Provides $20 million for continued growth and modernization at Quonset’s Port of Davisville, Rhode Island’s only public port. This investment will finance construction of a new Pier, the rehabilitation of Pier One (built in 1941) and dredging to accommodate offshore wind project cargo while maintaining the Port’s existing businesses.

$60,000,000

(a) The QDC is prepared to begin work immediately. (b) Construction at the Port of Davisville is already underway. These funds would finance additional necessary work supporting the completion of the Port Master Plan.

Useful life:

(a) QDC estimates that the Site Development effort would produce economic benefits for Rhode Island indefinitely.

(b) QDC estimates that the useful life of the improvements at the Port of Davisville will be approximately 50 years.

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An accessible voting unit that can read and mark the ballot for the voter. This allows voters with reading, vision and other disabilities to mark their ballot privately and independently.

BONDS

A bond is written evidence of the State’s obligation to repay money it has borrowed with interest at specified rates and maturity dates.

CAPITAL INVESTMENTS

Money spent on capital assets, or items designed to last more than one year, are considered capital investments. These assets may include buildings, land, roads, and even information technology systems.

E-POLL BOOK

The iPads at each polling place that contain the list of registered voters. Poll workers use the e-poll books to check voters in before voting.

FISCAL YEAR

A fiscal year is a period of twelve consecutive months which serves as an accounting period for financial reporting purposes. The State’s fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.

GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND

A general obligation bond is a bond which is secured by the full faith and credit and taxing power of the State.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Infrastructure systems, such as public transit, education, water and telecommunications systems, are the basic physical facilities and organizational structures needed for the operation of a municipality or state.

ISSUING BONDS

To “issue” bonds means to sell, deliver, and receive payment for bonds. The State generally issues bonds for particular projects upon determining the amount of cash necessary to implement such projects.

POLLING PLACE

A voting location where voters cast their ballot on Election Day. Every voter is assigned a polling location based on where they live.

PROVISIONAL VOTING

Provisional voting is a process to ensure that all registered voters are allowed to participate on Election Day. These qualified voters will be allowed to cast the same ballot as all others however, the disposition(full ballot, federal offices

REFERENDUM

The Rhode Island Constitution requires voters directly make certain decisions instead of the General Assembly. A referendum is the way our legislative body (the General Assembly or town or city council) asks voters to make those decisions on proposals such as constitutional amendments, long-term borrowings like bonds, special laws affecting some cities and towns (like municipal charters) or the expansion of gambling.

The referendum is always asked as a question for voters to approve or reject. Referenda is the plural form of the word referendum.

REFUNDING BONDS

Sometimes, after bonds have been issued by the State, interest rates fall and make it cheaper to refinance existing debt. When that is the case, the state asks voters to approve the issuance of refunding bonds. This means that the State can refinance existing bonds at lower interest rates by calling in and paying off the existing bonds and refinancing them at lower interest rates. When the state issues refunding bonds, it is a similar action as when individuals refinance a mortgage – both save money.

USEFUL LIFE

The period of time an asset is expected to be usable for the purpose it was acquired, built or established. It is good financial practice to issue bonds for projects with a long useful life.

VOTING ASSISTANCE

A poll worker will explain how to mark your ballot if you ask. The cover of the secrecy folder and the inside wall of the voting booth will also contain instructions on how to mark your ballot. Per state law, anyone can assist the voter unless they are the voter’s employer or agent of that employer, or an officer or agent of the voter’s union.

You can request the assistance of a bipartisan pair of poll workers. Federal and state laws allow voters who are blind, disabled or unable to read or write to bring a person of their choice into the voting booth. The poll worker will have an affidavit that must be completed.

VOTE EARLY IN-PERSON

The option for voters to vote in-person at their city/town hall on the 20 days leading up to Election Day.

VOTE FROM HOME

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Barrington Town Hall 283 County Rd. 02806 247-1900 x1

Bristol Town Hall 10 Court St. 02809 253-7000 x2

Burrillville Town Hall 105 Harrisville Main St. Harrisville 02830 568-4300 x7

Central Falls City Hall 580 Broad St. 02863 727-7450

Charlestown Town Hall 4540 South County Trl. 02813 364-1200

Coventry Town Hall 1670 Flat River Rd. 02816 822-9150

Cranston City Hall 869 Park Ave. 02910 780-3121

Cumberland Town Hall 45 Broad St. 02864 475-9040

East Greenwich Town Hall 125 Main St.

P.O. Box 111 02818 886-8603

East Providence City Hall 145 Taunton Ave. 02914 435-7502

Exeter Town Hall 675 Ten Rod Rd. 02822 294-2287

Foster Town Hall

181 Howard Hill Rd. 02825 392-9200 x1

Glocester Town Hall 1145 Putnam Pike

P.O. Box B, Chepachet 02814 568-6206 x0

Hopkinton Town Hall 1 Town House Rd. 02833 377-7777

Jamestown Town Hall 93 Narragansett Ave. 02835 423-9801

Johnston Town Hall 1385 Hartford Ave. 02919 553-8856

Lincoln Town Hall 100 Old River Rd. P.O. Box 100 02865 333-1140

Little Compton Town Hall 40 Commons

P.O. Box 226 02837 635-4400

Middletown Town Hall 350 East Main Rd. 02842 849-5540

Narragansett Town Hall 25 Fifth Ave. 02882 782-0625

Newport City Hall 43 Broadway 02840 845-5386

New Shoreham Town Hall 16 Old Town Rd.

P.O. Box 220 02807 466-3200

North Kingstown Town Hall 100 Fairway Dr. 02852 268-1553

North Providence Town Hall 2000 Smith St. 02911 232-0900 x234

North Smithfield Town Hall 83 Greene St. 02896 767-2200 x504 Pawtucket City Hall 137 Roosevelt Ave. 02860 722-1637

Portsmouth Town Hall 2200 East Main Rd. 02871 683-3157

Providence City Hall 25 Dorrance St. Room 102 02903 680-5525

Richmond Town Hall 5 Richmond Townhouse Rd. Wyoming 02898

539-9000 x9 Scituate Town Hall 195 Danielson Pike

P.O. Box 328, N. Scituate 02857 647-2822 x1

Smithfield Town Hall 64 Farnum Pike Esmond 02917 233-1000 x116

South Kingstown Town Hall 180 High St.

Wakefield 02879 789-9331 x1231 Tiverton Town Hall 343 Highland Rd. 02878 625-6703

Warren Town Hall 514 Main St. 02885 245-7340 x4

Warwick City Hall 3275 Post Rd. 02886 738-2010

West Greenwich Town Hall 280 Victory Hwy. 02817 392-3800 x108

West Warwick Town Hall 1170 Main St. 02893 827-9038

Westerly Town Hall 45 Broad St. 02891 348-2503

Woonsocket City Hall 169 Main St.

P.O. Box B 02895 767-9221

Local Boards of Canvassers

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(21)

PAP_ELE TA

PAP ELE_TA

Guía del Referéndum Estatal y

Procedimientos de Votación en Rhode Island

Elección Especial

2 de marzo de 2021

Manual Informativo

para Votantes

(22)

Estimado votante de Rhode Island:

Le envío esta guía para recordarle de la Elección Especial programada para el 2 de marzo de 2021 para votar sobre medidas muy importantes relacionadas con los gastos públicos estatales. Como su Secretaria de Estado, es mi responsabilidad asegurar que usted pueda ejercer su derecho al voto de forma segura. Su voz es su voto y con este se determinará la forma en que Rhode Island asignará fondos para proyectos que le importan a usted.

Como votante de Rhode Island, usted tiene tres opciones para emitir su voto de forma segura y esta guía le ofrece más información sobre cada uno de estos métodos de votación. Le insisto que haga oír su voz. Si usted ha solicitado una papeleta de votación por correo, asegúrese de completar su papeleta y devolverla lo antes posible (ver página 25). Esta guía también contiene información sobre las siete preguntas relacionadas a los bonos estatales que se le pedirá que apruebe o rechace. Asegúrese de familiarizarse con estas preguntas antes de completar su papeleta.

Puede ver su muestra de la papeleta en su teléfono celular o en su computadora visitando nuestro Centro de Información para Votantes en el sitio web (vote.ri.gov).

Su voto es importante. Por favor ayúdeme a hacer llegar esta

información al mayor número de personas posible compartiéndola con sus amigos y familiares. Esta guía también está disponible en nuestro sitio web (vote.ri.gov).

Si necesita información adicional, por favor comuníquese con nuestra División de Elecciones al 401-222-2340, TTY 711; o envíenos un correo electrónico a [email protected].

Haga la diferencia. ¡Sea un votante!

Nellie M. Gorbea

Secretaria de Estado

P.D. Asegúrese de seguirnos en Twitter (RISecState), en Facebook (RISecState), y en Instagram (RISecState)

401-222-2340 [email protected] vote.ri.gov @RISecState

@

COMUNÍQUESE

CON NOSOTROS

Revise la muestra de su

papeleta

Puede ver una muestra de su papeleta local visitando el Centro de Información para Votantes en el sitio web vote.ri.gov.

Votar por adelantado en

persona

Consulte la página 39 para obtener información de contacto de su junta local de elecciones.

Votar el Día de la

Elección

Visite a vote.ri.gov para localizar su lugar de votación.

¡Use un tapaboca cuando

vote en persona!

Mantenga saludable a sus oficiales

(23)

Maneras de Votar ...24

Votar desde su Casa ...25

Votar en Persona ...26

Accesibilidad y Asistencia en las Urnas ...27

Preguntas de Referendos de Bonos Estatales ...28

Pregunta 1 – Instalaciones de Educación Superior ...29

Pregunta 2 – Bono para el Medioambiente, Playas y Agua Potable ...30

Pregunta 3 – Vivienda y Oportunidad Comunitaria ...32

Pregunta 4 – Subvención Estatal de Infraestructura de Transportación ...33

Pregunta 5 – Fondo de Capital para el Cuidado y la Educación de la Primera

Infancia ...34

Pregunta 6 – El Programa de Subvenciones para las Artes Culturales

y la Economía y el Programa de Subvenciones Estatal para la Preservación ...35

Pregunta 7 – La Infraestructura de las Instalaciones Industriales ...37

Definiciones de Términos

...38

Información de Contacto de las Juntas Locales de Elecciones, la Junta Estatal de

Elecciones, y el Centro de Derechos de los Discapacitados de RI ...39

ADVERTENCIA

El fraude electoral es un delito grave y es castigado con una multa y/o una sentencia de cárcel. Usted debe ser ciudadano de los Estados Unidos y estar inscrito para votar desde su lugar de residencia actual.

(24)

VOTAR POR ADELANTADO EN PERSONA

10 de febrero al 1 de marzo

VOTAR EL DÍA DE LA ELECCIÓN

Votar desde su casa es una opción segura y fácil para aquellos

votantes que no quieren votar en persona.

Los votantes que completaron su solicitud de papeleta de

votación por correo y la devolvieron antes de la fecha límite

(

martes, 9 de febrero de 2021 a las 4:00 p.m.

)

, se les enviará

una papeleta de votación por correo.

Consulte la página 25 para obtener información importante

sobre la manera de devolver su papeleta de votación por correo.

Papeleta

Llame a su junta local de elecciones para conocer las horas

de votación y la ubicación de la entrada de accesibilidad.

Revise la muestra de su papeleta en

vote.ri.gov

Lleve una identificación con foto válida

¡Use un tapaboca!

Localice su lugar de votación y el horario de

votación en

vote.ri.gov

Revise la muestra de su papeleta en

vote.ri.gov

Lleve una identificación con foto válida

PAPELET A DE CORRE

(25)

x_Signature

Votación del Votante Licencia de conducir de RI/ Last 4 SSN

o

Papeleta oficial por correo

Junta Electoral P.O. Box 6128 Providence, RI 02940 Papeleta

x

Firma

Certificado de Votación del Votante

Licencia de conducir de RI/ID Estatal Los últimos 4 SSN

o

Votar desde su Casa

Votar desde su casa con una papeleta de votación por correo es una opción segura para los votantes que no quieren votar en persona. Todas las solicitudes de papeletas de votación por correo deben ser recibidas a más

tardar a las 4:00 p.m. el 9 de febrero. Por favor comuníquese con su junta local de elecciones si no cumplió con

la fecha límite de la solicitud y no desea votar en persona.

A continuación, se presentan los pasos para devolver su papeleta votada por correo de forma segura:

x

_FirmaCertificado de Votación del Votante

Licencia de conducir de RI/ID Estatal Los últimos 4 SSN

o

• Inserte la papeleta

votada en el Certificado

de Votación del Votante (el sobre más pequeño.) • Séllelo.

1

2

3

• Coloque el sobre firmado del Certificado de Votación

del Votante en el sobre más grande dirigido a la Junta Estatal de Elecciones. • Séllelo.

• Escriba su número de teléfono (en caso de que hayan preguntas con respecto a su papeleta.)

• Incluya el número de su licencia de conducir/el número de su

identificación estatal o los últimos

cuatro dígitos de su número de seguro social. (opcional)

• Firme el sobre. (Esto se comparará

con la firma en su registro de votante.)

ENVIAR POR CORREO

DEPOSITAR EN UN BUZÓN

• No se requiere franqueo.

• Deposite su papeleta en cualquier buzón seguro las 24 horas del día. • Debe estar en el buzón a las

8 p.m. el Día de la Elección (2 de marzo).

Visite vote.ri.gov para saber más sobre las ubicaciones de los buzones seguros. • No se requiere franqueo.

• Asegúrese de enviar su papeleta por correo antes del 23 de febrero para garantizar que se reciba el Día de la Elección.

• Su papeleta debe ser recibida antes de las 8 p.m. el Día de la Elección (2 de marzo). SECURE Board o f Electio_ns P.O. B_{ox 612} 8 Provide_{nce, R} I 02940 Board o f Electio_ns P.O. B_{ox 6128} Provide_{nce, R} I 02940

Rastree su papeleta en

vote.ri.gov

¿Preguntas sobre su papeleta?

Comuníquese con la Junta Estatal de Elecciones: 401-222-2345 o en [email protected].

Si comete un error al marcar la

papeleta

• Si comete un error al marcar su papeleta, no tache en la papeleta.

• Comuníquese inmediatamente con la División de Elecciones del Departamento de Estado al 401-222-2340,

!

PAPELET A DE CORREO PAPELET A DE CORREO BUZÓN SEGURO DE ELECCIONES

(26)

Si comete un error al marcar su papeleta

Lleve su papeleta a un funcionario electoral y solicite una papeleta nueva para empezar de nuevo.

Si su nombre no aparece en la lista de votantes, no presenta una forma

aceptable de identificación con foto,

o hay otro problema potencial con su elegibilidad para votar.

Se le permitirá emitir un voto provisional el Día de la Elección. Esto

significa que su voto puede ser contado

por su junta local de elecciones después del Día de la Elección.

¿Tiene una dirección diferente?

Si se mudó dentro de la misma ciudad/pueblo sin actualizar su dirección de registro de votante, tendrá que completar

un formulario de confirmación de

dirección antes de votar.

votar en persona en su ayuntamiento local durante los horarios laborales. O puede votar en

persona en su lugar de votación el Día de la Elección.

Marque su papeleta

Lea las instrucciones en la parte superior de su papeleta.

Asegúrese de revisar ambos lados de la papeleta.

Rellene el óvalo a la izquierda de su selección.

!Cuente su voto!

Retire su papeleta de la carpeta de privacidad e insértela en la máquina de votación.

Regístrese

› Provea su identificación con foto.

› Firme la pantalla del libro de votación electrónico.

El funcionario electoral le proporcionará una papeleta y una carpeta de privacidad y le dirigirá a una cabina de votación.

3

1

LOCALICE SU LUGAR DE VOTACIÓN PAPELETA REVISE SU

PAPELETA LLEVE IDENTIFICACIÓN VÁLIDA CON FOTO TAPABOCAUSE UN

Use su pegatina

“I VOTED”

!Este listo para

votar!

(27)

Accesibilidad y Asistencia en las Urnas

Lugar de votación accesible para los votantes de la tercera edad, con discapacidades y

con problemas de visión

Cada lugar de votación tendrá al menos una cabina de votación accesible para discapacitados designada para uso prioritario por los votantes que tienen más de 65 años o tienen alguna discapacidad.

Los votantes que tengan una discapacidad médica que les cause una grave incomodidad al hacer fila se les

permitirá pasar al frente de la misma.

Cada lugar de votación también estará equipado con una lupa de hoja para ayudar a los votantes con problemas de visión. Utilice la unidad AutoMark para marcar su papeleta en privado. Coloque su papeleta en la unidad AutoMark. Inserte su papeleta en la carpeta de privacidad y vaya a la máquina de votación. Retire la papeleta de la carpeta de privacidad e inserte su papeleta en la máquina de votación. Reciba la papeleta y la carpeta de privacidad del trabajador electoral.

Si el lugar de votación al que está asignado es inaccesible, debe notificar a su junta local de

elecciones y ellos dispondrán un medio alternativo para que usted emita su voto.

Carpeta de Privacidad

Uso del equipo accesible AutoMark

De acuerdo con la Ley Federal de Votación de Ayudar a América Votar (HAVA, por sus siglas en inglés) y ley estatal, una unidad de votación accesible, conocida como AutoMark estará disponible en cada lugar de votación para cada elección.

El AutoMark puede leer y marcar la papeleta por el votante. Esto le permite a los votantes con discapacidad de lectura, visión y otras discapacidades marcar sus papeletas de manera privada e independiente.

Todos los votantes inscritos tienen derecho automáticamente a usar el equipo de votación accesible ubicado en cada lugar de votación. No se requieren solicitudes especiales.

Cuando llegue a su lugar de votación, proceda a la mesa de registro e infórmele a los trabajadores electorales que desea utilizar el AutoMark para ayudarle a marcar su papeleta.

!

Inserte aquí

Todo votante que requiera asistencia para votar por razones de ceguera, discapacidad o incapacidad para leer o escribir puede recibir asistencia de un par de trabajadores electorales o de una persona de su elección. El empleador del votante o el agente de ese empleador, o un funcionario o agente del sindicato del votante ESTÁN PROHIBIDOS de proporcionar asistencia.

(28)

En la papeleta, se le preguntará:

¿Debería la acción de la Asamblea General, mediante un acto aprobado en la sesión de enero de 2020, autorizando la emisión de bonos, el reembolso de bonos y de pagarés temporales del Estado de Rhode Island para los proyectos de capital y en la cantidad con respecto a cada uno de los proyectos enumerados a continuación (preguntas 1-7), y la emisión de bonos, el reembolso de bonos y pagarés temporales autorizados de conformidad con las disposiciones de dicho acto, ser aprobada?

Las siguientes páginas proporcionan más información sobre cada una de las preguntas sobre los bonos, incluyendo

¿Qué es un bono?

Un bono es como una hipoteca o un préstamo. Al igual que una persona puede pedir dinero prestado para obtener una educación o comprar una casa, el Estado está pidiendo obtener dinero prestado de un prestamista con la promesa de pagar el préstamo sobre tiempo con interés. Estas preguntas le piden a usted, aprobar o rechazar si debemos obtener dinero prestado para invertir en diferentes áreas de nuestro Estado.

La tabla a continuación de las propuestas de los bonos y sus costos asociados, incluyendo capital e intereses. Al igual que con una hipoteca o préstamo, el costo total incluye el capital pedido a préstamo y la cantidad de intereses pagados durante el término de la obligación. El costo total también incluye las tarifas, impresión, o gastos asociados con la emisión de los bonos.

PREGUNTAS DE BONOS ESTATALES CAPITAL INTERÉS COSTO TOTAL

1. Instalaciones de Educación Superior $107.300.000 $64.900.592 $172.200.592

2. Bono para el Medioambiente, Playas

y Agua Potable $74.000.000 $44.759.029 $118.759.029

3. Vivienda y Oportunidad Comunitaria $65.000.000 $39.315.363 $104.315.363

4. Subvención Estatal de Infraestructura

de Transportación $71.700.000 $43.367.870 $115.067.870

5. Fondo de Capital para el Cuidado y

la Educación de la Primera Infancia $15.000.000 $9.072.776 $24.072.776

6. El Programa de Subvenciones para las Artes Culturales y la Economía y el Programa de Subvenciones Estatal para la Preservación

$7.000.000 $4.233.962 $11.233.962

7. La Infraestructura de las Instalaciones

Industriales $60.000.000 $36.291.105 $96.291.105

COSTO TOTAL DE PRESTAMOS

DE TODOS LOS REFERENDOS $400.000.000 $241.940.697 $641.940.697

(29)

1. INSTALACIONES DE EDUCACIÓN SUPERIOR -

$107.300.000

Proporcionar mejoras de capital a las instalaciones de educación superior, para ser distribuidos de la siguiente manera:

(a) Centro de Bellas Artes de la Universidad de Rhode Island - $57.300.000

(b) Renovación del Edificio de Ciencias Clarke de Rhode Island College -

$38.000.000

(c) Renovación y Modernización del Community College de Rhode Island - $12.000.000

Aprobar Rechazar

Aprobar

Su voto de “Aprobar” significa

que apoya que el Estado emita $107.300.000 en bonos de obligación general para invertir en instalaciones de educación superior.

Rechazar

Su voto de “Rechazar” significa

que no apoya que el Estado emita $107.300.000 en bonos de obligación general para invertir en instalaciones de educación superior.

Sobre la Pregunta 1:

Como aparecerá en la papeleta:

Explicación y propósito de la Pregunta 1:

Estos bonos proporcionarían fondos al Estado de Rhode Island para pagar proyectos de construcción relacionados con la educación superior.

a) Centro de Bellas Artes de la Universidad de Rhode Island - $57.300.000

La aprobación de este bono proporcionaría para diseñar, renovar y construir una nueva instalación e infraestructura para el Centro de Bellas Artes en el Campus de Kingston de la Universidad de Rhode Island.

b) Renovación del Edificio de Ciencias Clarke de Rhode Island College - $38.000.000

La aprobación de este bono proporcionaría fondos para renovar y ampliar completamente el edificio de Ciencias

Clarke en el campus de Rhode Island College.

c) Renovación y Modernización del Community College de Rhode Island - $12.000.000

La aprobación de este bono proporcionaría fondos para diseñar y renovar los espacios de uso a los estudiantes y los espacios de las aulas en los campus de Knight y Flanagan del Community College de Rhode Island para abordar el mantenimiento importante diferido y mejorar la accesibilidad y la funcionalidad.

¿Cuánto dinero será pedido a préstamo?

$107.300.000

Plazo del proyecto:

a) Se espera que la construcción del Centro de Bellas Artes de la Universidad de Rhode Island concluya y que el

edificio esté listo para ser utilizado en septiembre de 2024. b) Se espera que la renovación del Edificio de Ciencias

Clarke de Rhode Island College comience en 2022. Se espera que la construcción se complete en 2024. c) Se espera que las renovaciones de los campus Knight y Flanagan del Community College de Rhode Island comiencen en diciembre de 2021. Se espera que la construcción se termine en marzo de 2023 o alrededor de esa fecha.

Tiempo útil del proyecto:

a) La Universidad de Rhode Island estima que el tiempo

útil del recién renovado edificio de Bellas Artes será de

aproximadamente 50 años.

b) Rhode Island College estima que el tiempo útil

del renovado Edificio de Ciencias Clarke será de

aproximadamente 50 años.

c) El Community College de Rhode Island estima que el tiempo útil de las renovaciones de los campus Knight y Flanagan de Rhode Island será de aproximadamente 30 años.

El Costo total:

COSTO DEL PROYECTO COSTO DE EMISIÓN*

Capital Interés** Capital Interés**

COSTO TOTAL DEL PROJECTO Y LA EMISIÓN

(30)

2. BONO PARA EL MEDIOAMBIENTE, PLAYAS Y AGUA

POTABLE - $74.000.000

Con fines ambientales y recreativos, pare ser distribuidos de la siguiente

manera:

(a) Playas, parques y campamentos estatales - $33.000.000 (b) Parque de la ruta I-195 - $4.000.000

(c) Proyectos de recreación locales - $4.000.000 (d) Terrenos naturales y de cultivación - $3.000.000 (e) Agua limpia y agua potable - $15.000.000 (f) Resiliencia municipal - $7.000.000

(g) Dragado del Río Providence - $6.000.000 (h) Cuenca del Río Woonasquatucket - $2.000.000

Aprobar

que apoya que el Estado emita $74.000.000 en bonos de

obligación general para propositos ambientales y recreacionales.

Rechazar

que no apoya que el Estado emita $74.000.000 en bonos de obligación general para propositos ambientales y recreacionales.

Estos bonos se emitirían para permitir al Estado invertir en la mejora del medio ambiente y las instalaciones de recreo públicas. Los $74.000.000 se asignarán, como se indica a continuación, a importantes mejoras de capital en las playas, parques y campamentos del Estado, a la infraestructura de los parques en los antiguos terrenos de la autopista I-195, a proyectos de recreación local, a la protección de las tierras naturales y de cultivo, a proyectos de agua limpia y agua potable, a la mejora de la capacidad de recuperación municipal, al dragado del Río Providence y a mejoras de recreación e infraestructura a lo largo de la Vía Verde del Río Woonasquatucket.

Específicamente, la aprobación de esta pregunta proporcionará:

(a) $33.000.000 para mejoras de capital importantes en las playas, parques y zonas de campamento del estado. Los fondos se utilizarán para instalaciones nuevas o renovadas en lugares como el Parque Estatal Goddard Memorial, la Playa Estatal Roger Wheeler, la Playa Estatal Scarborough, la Playa Estatal Misquamicut, el Parque Estatal Colt, el Parque Estatal Brenton Point y los campamentos estatales. Las playas, parques y campamentos del estado de Rhode

Island atraen a más de nueve millones de visitantes, generan más de $312 millones en beneficios económicos y

mantienen más de 3.700 empleados anualmente.

(b) $4.000.000 para el desarrollo de la infraestructura de los parques en los terrenos de la antigua autopista I-195 en Providence. El parque de casi 7 acres se extiende a ambos lados del Río Providence y está conectado por un puente peatonal que se inauguró en 2019. Los fondos se utilizarán para construir la infraestructura del parque para mejorar los servicios públicos, apoyar las operaciones y la programación del parque, y permitir el servicio de alimentos y bebidas.

(c) $4.000.000 para subvenciones de contrapartida de hasta el 80% para que los municipios adquieran, desarrollen o rehabiliten instalaciones locales de recreación al aire libre, como parques, áreas de juego y campos deportivos. Los estudios demuestran que el acceso a este tipo de instalaciones mejora la salud, promueve lazos sociales más fuertes y aumenta la satisfacción y el orgullo del vecindario.

(31)

Anticipamos que la mayoría de los proyectos se

completarán en un plazo de cinco años desde su inicio.

El Departamento de Gestión Ambiental estima que el tiempo útil de las mejoras que se realizarán en los parques, playas, campamentos, instalaciones recreativas locales, infraestructura hidráulica e instalaciones

municipales locales será de 25 a 50 años.

El Departamento de Gestión Ambiental estima que el tiempo útil de las zonas forestales y los terrenos agrícolas en funcionamiento es permanente. El Consejo de Gestión de Recursos Costeros estima que el tiempo útil del dragado de los ríos del centro de Providence es aproximadamente de hasta 20 años.

El Costo total:

$73.704.000 $44.580.029 $296.000 $179.000

* Costo de emisión se estima en 0.4% del capital emitido.

** Supone una tarifa de interés del 5%, con bonos amortizados con pagos niveles sobre 20 años.

Capital Interés** Costo Total

$74.000.000 $44.759.029 $118.759.029

(d) $3.000.000 para proteger las zonas forestales y los terrenos de cultivo en todo Rhode Island mediante la

compra de servidumbres de conservación. Esta financiación permitirá a los agricultores permanecer en el negocio y mantener la tierra productiva - beneficiando nuestro sistema alimentario local y proporcionando empleos. También protegerá las zonas forestales y los beneficios económicos y de ecosistema asociados que éstas proporcionan,

incluyendo la limpieza de nuestra agua potable, proporcionando un hábitat para la vida silvestre, capturando las emisiones de carbono, y proporcionando oportunidades económicas para las comunidades rurales.

(e) $15.000.000 para la inversión en los Fondos Rotatorios Estatales de Agua Limpia y Potable para mejorar la

calidad de las aguas de nuestro estado. Estos fondos se utilizarán para desbloquear $75.000.000 en fondos federales para mejoras en la infraestructura, incluyendo mejoras en el tratamiento de agua potable y aguas residuales, mejoras en la calidad de las aguas pluviales, proyectos combinados de reducción de desbordamientos de alcantarillado y mejoras en el sistema de distribución de agua. Estos proyectos ayudan a mejorar la calidad del agua reduciendo la contaminación, asegurando el acceso al agua potable y promoviendo el desarrollo económico.

(f) $7.000.000 para hasta el 75% de las subvenciones de contrapartida a los municipios para restaurar y/o mejorar la resiliencia de la infraestructura, los hábitats costeros vulnerables, las llanuras aluviales de ríos y arroyos, y las cuencas

hidrográficas. Estas subvenciones ayudarán a las ciudades y pueblos a identificar los peligros principales, mejorar la

capacidad de recuperación de las comunidades y reforzar la seguridad pública ante el aumento de las inundaciones y las tormentas más frecuentes e intensas.

(g) $6.000.000 para el dragado del Río Providence con fines de desarrollo económico, mantenimiento de la

infraestructura, aumento de las oportunidades de turismo y mejora de las profundidades del agua para la navegación, la recreación y la resiliencia climática.

(h) $2.000.000 para que el Consejo de la Cuenca Hidrográfica del Río Woonasquatucket desarrolle, mejore y

rehabilite proyectos públicos de recreación e infraestructura a lo largo del Río Woonasquatucket y su Vía Verde,

desde North Smithfield y Glocester hasta Smithfield, North Providence, Johnston y Providence.

$74.000.000

(32)

El Costo total:

$64.740.000 $39.158.363 $260.000 $157.000

* Costo de emisión se estima en 0.4% del capital emitido.

** Supone una tarifa de interés del 5%, con bonos amortizados con pagos niveles sobre 20 años.

Estos fondos se utilizarían para aumentar la disponibilidad de viviendas asequibles y apoyar la revitalización de la comunidad a través del redesarrollo de las estructuras existentes, las nuevas construcciones y la adquisición de propiedades.

$65.000.000

Plazo del proyecto:

Se espera que la reurbanización de las estructuras existentes y/o la nueva construcción de viviendas asequibles se inicie tan pronto como en 2021 y se complete para 2026.

Se estima que el tiempo útil de las viviendas asequibles redesarrolladas y/o de nueva construcción es de un mínimo de 30 años.

3. VIVIENDA Y OPORTUNIDAD COMUNITARIA -

$65.000.000

Para incrementar la disponibilidad de viviendas asequibles y apoyar la revitalización de la comunidad a través del redesarrollo de estructuras existentes, construcciones nuevas y la adquisición de propiedades.

Aprobar

que apoya que el Estado emita $65.000.000 en bonos de obligación general para mejorar viviendas asequibles y apoyar los esfuerzos de revitalización de la comunidad.

Rechazar

que no apoya que el Estado emita $65.000.000 en bonos de obligación general para mejorar viviendas asequibles y apoyar los esfuerzos de revitalización de la comunidad.

Capital Interés** Costo Total