Rhode Island Historical Center and Cultural Grants Bond Measure

Rhode Island Ballot Measure -

Election: Nov. 3, 2026 (General)

Outcome: Pending

Categories:

Arts, Entertainment, and History

Summary


A "yes" vote supports issuing $50 million in bonds to fund cultural and historical projects, including:

$45 million in bonds to fund the construction of a new Rhode Island State History Center; and
$5 million in bonds to fund matching grants administered by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission.
A "no" vote opposes issuing $50 million in bonds to fund cultural and historical projects.

Measure Text


Shall the action of the general assembly, by an act passed at the January 2026 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 be approved, and the issuance of bonds, refunding bonds, and/or temporary notes authorized in accordance with the provisions of said act?
Cultural Economy $50,000,000

Approval of this question will allow the State to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and/or temporary notes in an amount not to exceed fifty million dollars ($50,000,000) to provide funding for cultural economy efforts to be allocated as follows:

(a) State History Center $45,000,000

Provides forty-five million dollars ($45,000,000) for the construction of a new Rhode Island State History Center.

(b) State Preservation Grants Program $5,000,000

Provides five million dollars ($5,000,000) in matching grants administered by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission to cities, towns and nonprofit organizations for capital improvements to public historic sites, museums and cultural art centers located in historic structures, and heritage museums throughout the State.

Resources


Official Summary

Source
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