2026-32

CITY OF NEWPORT

RESOLUTION

OF THE
COUNCIL

No.2026-32

Resolution Advocating for an Increase to the FY2027 Green Economy and Clean Energy Bond Facility Improvements Line Item to Support Restoration and Improvements to the national historic asset, Fort Adams, within Fort Adams State Park in the City of Newport

WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island's FY2027 Capital Budget includes funding within the Green Economy and Clean Energy Bond under Facility Improvements, providing $8.0 million to renovate and repair recreational facilities and construct new facilities and parks; AND

WHEREAS, House Bill 8144, introduced by Representative Cotter and cosigned by Representative Carson on February 27, 2026, and companion [Senate Bill No. TBD], introduced by Senator DiPalma, together propose to strengthen the Green Economy and Clean Energy Bond by adding $17.5 million, but specifically $5 million for the preservation, restoration, and public accessibility of historic Fort Adams within Fort Adams State Park in the City of Newport; AND

WHEREAS, Fort Adams State Park is one of Rhode Island's most visited state parks and historic landmarks, and according to a University of Rhode Island economic impact study commissioned by the Rhode Island DEM, generates $63.9 million in annual economic output, supports 700+ jobs, and welcomes over 1.3 million visitors annually - the highest economic impact and highest out-of-state visitation of any site in the Rhode Island State Parks system; AND

WHEREAS, the historic fortification structures at Fort Adams are experiencing significant deterioration due to age, deferred maintenance, coastal exposure, and increasing climate impacts, including moisture intrusion, freeze-thaw cycles, and storm-related damage; AND

WHEREAS, without timely and substantial capital investment, continued deterioration threatens public safety, limits visitor access, restricts programming, and increases long-term restoration costs for this irreplaceable historic asset; AND

WHEREAS, Restoration of Fort Adams' historic structures supports year-round tourism, educational programming, workforce development in the historic trades, and expanded public access, while preserving an asset of statewide and national significance; AND

WHEREAS, Investments in historic preservation and adaptive reuse of existing structures are consistent

WHEREAS, on March 26, 2025 City Council of Newport unanimously passed a resolution in Support of Fort Adams Trust and Increased State Funding for Historic Preservation and Public Access (see attached); AND

WHEREAS, an increase in the Facility Improvements line item, as proposed in H8144 / [Senate Bill No. TBD], would enable the Fort Adams Trust to address urgent capital needs at Fort Adams while maintaining support for recreational facilities and parks across Rhode Island; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED:

1. That the Newport City Council respectfully urges the Governor of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island General Assembly to support and pass House Bill 8144 and [Senate Bill No. TBD], thereby increasing the Facility Improvements line item within the FY2027 Green Economy and Clean Energy Bond by an additional Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000), specifically to support the restoration and stabilization of deteriorating historic fortification structures at Fort Adams State Park;

2. That the Newport City Council affirms that investment in Fort Adams is an investment in statewide tourism, economic development, historic preservation, public safety, and public access to Rhode Island's coastal and cultural resources;

3. That the Newport City Council supports capital investments that extend the useful life of existing public infrastructure, strengthen climate resilience of coastal historic sites, and promote workforce opportunities in the preservation and construction trades;

4. That the Newport City Clerk is directed to transmit copies of this resolution to the Office of the Governor, the Speaker of the House, the chair of the House Finance Committee, the President of the Senate, the Newport legislative delegation, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission.

STEPHANIE SMYTH
CHARLES M. HOLDER, JR.

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
MARCH 25, 2026

Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk