2026-4 Resolution of the Council, re:

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN REQUESTING THE TOWN’S STATE LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION TO UPDATE AND REINTRODUCE LEGISLATION SUPPORTING FUNDING FOR A REGIONAL EMERGENCY SHELTER

WHEREAS: the Town of Middletown is constructing a new Middle–High School and has included a separate project to upgrade the school gymnasium to function as a regional emergency shelter; and

WHEREAS: the regional emergency shelter is intended to serve residents of Newport County, including Naval Station Newport, and to support coordinated state and federal emergency response efforts; and

WHEREAS: legislation was previously introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly to appropriate state funds for the emergency shelter component of the project, and that project remains active and ongoing; and

WHEREAS: because the school building is under construction now and the window to incorporate shelter-related improvements is limited, the Town was required to obligate and commit funds in advance to construct the emergency shelter; and

WHEREAS: in anticipation of state support, the Town redirected funds from other critical Town projects and programs to ensure timely completion of this regional public safety asset;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Middletown Town Council respectfully requests the Town’s State Legislative Delegation to update and reintroduce legislation to provide state funding support specifically for the regional emergency shelter upgrades; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council directs the Town Administrator to transmit this resolution to the Town’s State Legislative Delegation and expresses its appreciation for their continued advocacy on behalf of Middletown, Newport County, and Naval Station Newport.

JANUARY 5, 2026

READ AND PASSED IN COUNCIL

Wendy J. W. Marshall, MMC
Town Clerk