Newport residents have voted to approve a $98.5 million general obligation bond in the 2024 General Election. The bond will fund various infrastructure, resilience, and community-related projects throughout the city.
The referendum, which appeared as Question 6 on the ballot, authorizes the city to issue bonds for various improvements, including coastal protection measures, public safety facilities, and road upgrades.
With 10 out of 10 polling places reporting, the unofficial results reports that 2,710 (68.7%) of voters voted to Approve the bond, while 1,234 (31.3%) voted to reject the question.
6. MUNICIPAL FACILITY UPGRADES $98,500,000
| Candidate | Total votes | Pct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approve | 2710 | 68.7% | |
| Reject | 1234 | 31.3% |
City officials say the bond’s passage will allow Newport to make critical investments in its future without relying solely on immediate property tax increases.
The largest single allocation in the bond is $20 million for the Perrotti Park Bulkhead and renovation of the Harbor Master Building. Other significant projects include $13 million for a North End Public Safety Facility and $12 million for the removal of the Van Zandt Bridge and associated road improvements.
Coastal resilience features prominently in the bond, with $11.2 million earmarked for an Easton’s Beach nourishment study and program, and $3.75 million set aside as matching funds for Cliff Walk repairs.
The average residential taxpayer can expect to pay about $346 more in property taxes per year, or roughly 95 cents per day, if the city issues the entire $98.5 million. Non-resident homeowners will see an increase of approximately $531 per year above current rates.
City officials emphasize that despite the authorization, the actual amount of bonds sold may be less, depending on final project costs.
“All bonded projects will require additional approvals and public input, including City Council approval for any final expenditures,” the city’s website states.
Several projects will be funded primarily through federal grants or user fees. The Perrotti Park improvements and Elm Street Pier project will be repaid entirely through cruise ship passenger fees.
The majority of funds needed to rebuild the Cliff Walk have been secured through a $13 million federal grant, with the city’s share totaling $3.75 million.
Newport boasts one of the lowest tax rates in Rhode Island and maintains a high bond rating of AA+.
The bond package includes:
- $20 million for Perrotti Park Bulkhead and Harbor Master Building renovation
- $13 million for North End Public Safety Facility land acquisition and design
- $12 million for Van Zandt Bridge removal and road improvements
- $11.2 million for Easton’s Beach nourishment study and program
- $10 million for Rogers High School landfill remediation and completion
- $6 million for road improvement programs in fiscal years 2025 and 2026
Smaller allocations include $5 million for redesigning and renovating the Maher Center, $2.5 million for seawall repairs, and $800,000 for Easton’s Beach demolition.
The bond also sets aside funds for stormwater management, with $5.375 million each for the Easton’s Pond Hardening Project and the Elizabeth Brook Study and North End stormwater preliminary design.
City officials stress that all projects will undergo further public discussion and must adhere to required public bidding processes.
The decision to combine multiple projects into a single bond measure was made to reduce borrowing costs and allow for investments that can be paid off over time, rather than through immediate tax increases.
With the bond’s approval, Newport is poised to embark on a series of significant infrastructure and resilience projects that will shape the city’s landscape and preparedness for years to come.
