FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT QUESTION #4:

What is question #4 on the November ballot?
Question #4 will authorize the State to issue up to $94 million in bonds for construction of a new Rhode Island Veterans Home at Bristol, RI. The voters must approve the issuance of the bond in November.

Why a new veterans home?
The current facility has antiqued environmental and life safety conditions, is inefficient and potentially not fully code compliant, is expensive to maintain and renovate, lacks privacy settings, and does not provide assisted living.

What will the $94, million build?
A three part project consisting of a new 225 bed nursing home facility to replace the existing one, a new 75 bed assisted living facility, and the renovation of the current facility to provide spouse residences, recreation, rehabilitation, and homeless veteran’s beds.

Where will it be located?
On the existing grounds of the Veteran’s Home in Bristol.

What is the total cost?
Total costs are estimated to be $100.7 million based on the three phase project, (adjusted for inflation and construction time lines.)

Why is only $94 million on the ballot?
The cost drops to $94 million id phase 1 and 2 are designed and constructed at the same time, thereby reducing inflation costs and construction mobilization costs.

Are there federal funds for the project?
A portion of Phase I of the project could be eligible for federal reimbursement. The federal law would allow 65 percent federal reimbursement for 157 of the 225 beds, which equates to approximately 45 percent of the Phase I costs, or approximately $21.2 million.

Are the federal funds included in the $94 million?
The General Assembly wanted to be sure the facility got built, so it provided for the full costs to be authorized in case there were no federal funds. The federal funds could be used to reduce the total bond issuance to approximately $73 million.