Manager outlines school permitting, public safety complex shortfall, Revolution Wind timing and community electricity rollout
October 20, 2025 | North Kingstown, Washington County, Rhode Island
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Town Manager Ralph updated the Town Council on multiple capital projects and community programs during the Oct. 20 meeting.
On the school bond project, staff continue coordinating with the Peregrine Group on permitting. Ralph said Stage 2 remains before the state review body and staff expect a decision in December; work on Stage 3 continues while Stage 2 is pending. The building-advisory subcommittee will next meet Nov. 5.
Ralph reported that a public meeting on the Public Safety Complex bond projects drew productive public engagement. He said the presentation covered project history, team members, preliminary timeline and schematics, and a current funding shortfall: "Our next steps appear to be going out to bid for a construction manager, beginning the project labor agreement analysis, and then begin discussions with the town council regarding both the land swap land purchase as well as the funding shortfall," he said. Staff will return to council with land-acquisition options and funding proposals.
Ralph said municipal parking-lot work is near completion with permanent striping and pavers installed; new bollards, roping and directional signs are being added. The lot hosted several recent weekend events, and staff plan a ribbon-cutting once final work is complete.
Work on the Wickford mini roundabout continues on schedule; although most work has been done at night, daytime work will occur Oct. 27–29 for stamping. The town has coordinated with affected businesses and the contractor.
Ralph also provided updates on: Revolution Wind, which is targeting energization of its onshore infrastructure in early November and hopes to deliver customer energy in mid–late 2026 (which would trigger host-community agreement payments and tax plans); and the Ocean State Community Electricity program, a community-choice aggregation option with a tentative North Kingstown launch in January 2026 and informational sessions starting in November and December.
Ralph additionally reminded the council about a short-term rental forum hosted by the Wickford Advisory Committee on Oct. 27 and a Climate Conservation workshop on Nov. 4 demonstrating storm tools. He said the town's 250th-committee programming is underway and seeking sponsors for next-year events.
Ralph and other speakers flagged federal shutdown risks—particularly to SNAP benefits and other federal programs—and said the governor's office had asked municipalities to prepare for local mitigation efforts if federal funding gaps occur. Ralph said the town will coordinate with local food banks and other community organizations as needed.
On the school bond project, staff continue coordinating with the Peregrine Group on permitting. Ralph said Stage 2 remains before the state review body and staff expect a decision in December; work on Stage 3 continues while Stage 2 is pending. The building-advisory subcommittee will next meet Nov. 5.
Ralph reported that a public meeting on the Public Safety Complex bond projects drew productive public engagement. He said the presentation covered project history, team members, preliminary timeline and schematics, and a current funding shortfall: "Our next steps appear to be going out to bid for a construction manager, beginning the project labor agreement analysis, and then begin discussions with the town council regarding both the land swap land purchase as well as the funding shortfall," he said. Staff will return to council with land-acquisition options and funding proposals.
Ralph said municipal parking-lot work is near completion with permanent striping and pavers installed; new bollards, roping and directional signs are being added. The lot hosted several recent weekend events, and staff plan a ribbon-cutting once final work is complete.
Work on the Wickford mini roundabout continues on schedule; although most work has been done at night, daytime work will occur Oct. 27–29 for stamping. The town has coordinated with affected businesses and the contractor.
Ralph also provided updates on: Revolution Wind, which is targeting energization of its onshore infrastructure in early November and hopes to deliver customer energy in mid–late 2026 (which would trigger host-community agreement payments and tax plans); and the Ocean State Community Electricity program, a community-choice aggregation option with a tentative North Kingstown launch in January 2026 and informational sessions starting in November and December.
Ralph additionally reminded the council about a short-term rental forum hosted by the Wickford Advisory Committee on Oct. 27 and a Climate Conservation workshop on Nov. 4 demonstrating storm tools. He said the town's 250th-committee programming is underway and seeking sponsors for next-year events.
Ralph and other speakers flagged federal shutdown risks—particularly to SNAP benefits and other federal programs—and said the governor's office had asked municipalities to prepare for local mitigation efforts if federal funding gaps occur. Ralph said the town will coordinate with local food banks and other community organizations as needed.
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