Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Almond signed an executive order at the Newport Library April 15 allowing public libraries to apply for state aid for construction projects for the first time since 1991.
The measure makes $400,000 to $600,000 available for library construction programs in the 1998-99 budget year, the Providence Journal Bulletin reported. That amount represents the balance of aid available under 1993 legislation that capped future aid for library construction at $2 million, since the state has already committed $1.4–$1.6 million to previous projects.
Newport Library administrators want the city council to propose a $2.5-to-$3-million referendum to go towards a $6.5-million expansion, with the balance covered by private donations. "We would certainly apply for it if the referendum goes through," Assistant Library Director Pat LaRose told the newspaper.
Posted April 20, 1998.