2026-26 Funding for Primary Clarifiers

RESOLUTION

OF THE
COUNCIL
No. 2026-26

WHEREAS: the Primary Clarifiers are critical infrastructure components at the Water Pollution Control Facility and are essential to maintaining RIDEM and EPA permit compliance and protecting public health. The estimated total project cost is approximately $25 million; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED: that the City Council of the City of Newport authorizes an interfund bridge loan from available General Fund unassigned fund balance in an amount not to exceed $6.0 million to provide immediate project liquidity; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED: that the City Council authorizes the Administration to continue to pursue 20-year Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB) Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) financing for permanent project funding; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED: that the City Council adopts a Reimbursement Resolution declaring the City’s intent to reimburse eligible project expenditures from future RIIB bond proceeds in order to preserve tax-exempt status and SRF eligibility; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED: if RIIB bond proceeds are not eligible to reimburse $6 million of City advanced funding the interfund advances will be repaid by the Water Pollution Control Fund within a reasonable time frame not to exceed 15 years at a 0% interest loan.

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
MARCH 11, 2026

Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk