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Watertown City Council Approves $7.4 Million Borrowing for Capital Projects, Increasing Tax Levy

Watertown City Council Approves $7.4 Million Borrowing for Capital Projects, Increasing Tax Levy

The City of Watertown's Common Council has approved a budget that includes approximately $7.4 million in borrowing for capital projects, primarily focused on street reconstruction and repairs. This figure represents a significant increase from the $4.9 million approved for capital funds in 2026. The decision will lead to a 3.97% rise in the city's total tax levy. District 1 Alder Dana Davis expressed reservations about the $7.4 million allocation, noting specific projects like $1.1 million for the Emmet annexation and $892,100 for Main Street reconstruction, in addition to carryover projects. Conversely, District 7 Alder Tony Arnett, who led the Finance Committee's budget discussions, emphasized the necessity of this investment. He highlighted a substantial infrastructure backlog resulting from decades of deferred maintenance on streets and underground utilities, estimating tens of millions of dollars in unfunded repairs. Arnett pointed out that with over 120 miles of streets and a general lifespan of 30 y...
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Senate weighs sweeping energy legislation in first major action since midterm elections

Senate weighs sweeping energy legislation in first major action since midterm elections

The Senate is set to consider bipartisan legislation to speed up permitting for data centers and infrastructure projects
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Roger Williams Park Zoo to Host Food Truck Day on Veteran's Day

Roger Williams Park Zoo to Host Food Truck Day on Veteran's Day

Roger Williams Park Zoo to Host Food Truck Day on Veteran's Day
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New Mexico Department of Transportation Closes NM 159 'Bursum Road' for Winter Season

New Mexico Department of Transportation Closes NM 159 'Bursum Road' for Winter Season

The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) has announced the seasonal closure of NM 159, commonly known as Bursum Road, for the winter season. The closure began on Monday, November 9, with both gates on the road being shut. The lower gate is located at milepost 12.3, just past Mogollon, and the upper gate is situated at milepost 22.6 near Willow Creek Campground. This annual closure is a precautionary measure due to anticipated winter weather conditions that render the roadway impassable and unsafe for travel. The NMDOT emphasizes that the safety of the traveling public is their primary concern during these seasonal closures.
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Despite headwinds, Vineyard Wind, Revolution Wind come fully online

Despite headwinds, Vineyard Wind, Revolution Wind come fully online

Two of the country's first large-scale offshore wind farms are now fully operational, powering 750,000 homes in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts
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ALDOT Awards Contract for SR-77 Bridge Replacement, Funded Partially by U.S. Senators Tuberville and Britt

ALDOT Awards Contract for SR-77 Bridge Replacement, Funded Partially by U.S. Senators Tuberville and Britt

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has awarded a contract to Scott Bridge Company for the replacement of the northbound SR-77 bridge over the Coosa River in Etowah County. This project, which will replace the 87-year-old Gilbert's Ferry Bridge (also known as the 'Little Bridge'), aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety between Southside and Rainbow City. The new bridge will be a modern two-lane structure, 36 feet wide and 910 feet long, rising approximately 30 feet over the river. The total cost of the project is $22,065,595, with funding sourced from a combination of state and federal allocations, including a $3 million appropriation secured by U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, along with Congressman Mike Rogers. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2027 and conclude by the end of 2029.
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North Kingstown Town Council Enacts Ban on Retail Sales of Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits

North Kingstown Town Council Enacts Ban on Retail Sales of Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits

The North Kingstown Town Council unanimously passed an ordinance banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits, effective January 1, 2027. This decision followed a public hearing where approximately 28 speakers presented their views. The ordinance amends Chapter 3 of the town code, specifically updating definitions and adding a section on retail sales of these animals. The council also addressed concerns regarding asphalt odor in West Davisville, the removal of Flock license plate cameras, and proposed changes to development rules at Quonset Business Park. Supporters of the ban, including resident Dawn Taylor-Church and Melissa Kroll, a dog trainer, emphasized community support, citing online petitions with over 1,600 signatures. The Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also submitted a written statement in favor of the ban. Opponents, such as Alisa Clements of the Pet Advocacy Network, advocated for regulating standards of care instead and expressed concerns about the lack of...
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ALDOT Awards Contract for SR-77 Bridge Replacement in Etowah County, Alabama

ALDOT Awards Contract for SR-77 Bridge Replacement in Etowah County, Alabama

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has awarded a contract for the replacement of the northbound SR-77 bridge over the Coosa River in Etowah County to Scott Bridge Company. This project, known as the 'Little Bridge' or Gilbert's Ferry Bridge, connects Southside and Rainbow City and has been a long-standing regional need due to traffic congestion and safety concerns. Governor Kay Ivey announced the contract award, highlighting that the 87-year-old truss bridge, originally constructed in 1939, will be replaced with a modern two-lane bridge. The new bridge will be 36 feet wide and 910 feet long, significantly wider and longer than the existing structure. The project is funded through a combination of state and federal funds, including a $3 million appropriation secured by U.S. senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, and Congressman Mike Rogers. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2027 and conclude by the end of 2029.
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Rhode Island Department of Transportation Reopens I-195 After Potter Street Bridge Demolition

Rhode Island Department of Transportation Reopens I-195 After Potter Street Bridge Demolition

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has announced the full reopening of I-195 in both directions in East Providence. The highway was temporarily closed starting at 10 p.m. last night for the safe demolition of the Potter Street Bridge, a critical component of the ongoing Washington Bridge rebuild project. Eastbound lanes were reopened by 11 a.m., with westbound lanes following at noon. This closure was implemented to expedite the demolition process and minimize long-term traffic disruptions. RIDOT expressed gratitude for the patience of residents and local businesses during this period. The Potter Street Bridge is slated for reconstruction over the next 12 to 18 months. The new bridge will facilitate a wider highway corridor, adding more travel lanes on I-195 West. Upon completion, the project aims to provide four continuous westbound travel lanes between the Broadway interchange and the Washington Bridge, along with a new fifth lane leading to an off-ramp at Waterfront Drive. These enhan...
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Governor Daniel McKee Announces Reopening of I-195 in East Providence Following Bridge Demolition

Governor Daniel McKee Announces Reopening of I-195 in East Providence Following Bridge Demolition

Governor Daniel McKee announced that I-195 in East Providence has fully reopened in both directions after a temporary closure for the demolition of the Potter Street Bridge. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) closed the highway at 10 p.m. last night for the safe demolition, which is part of the larger Washington Bridge rebuild project. Eastbound lanes reopened at 11 a.m., and westbound lanes began reopening at noon. RIDOT expressed appreciation for the patience of residents and business owners during the closure. The Potter Street Bridge will be rebuilt over the next 12-18 months to accommodate a wider highway corridor with additional travel lanes on I-195 West, aiming to alleviate longstanding congestion.
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Democratic US senators push for energy permitting bill ahead of key Senate vote

Democratic US senators push for energy permitting bill ahead of key Senate vote

By Nichola Groom Nov 9 (Reuters) - Democratic US Senators Martin Heinrich of New Mexico and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island rallied on Monday for a bipartisan energy permitting bill ahead of a preliminary vote, arguing recent changes to the legislation and assurances from the Trump administration
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James Dolan's Private Jet Lands in East Farmingdale After Short Flight from Rhode Island

James Dolan's Private Jet Lands in East Farmingdale After Short Flight from Rhode Island

James Dolan's Private Jet Lands in East Farmingdale After Short Flight from Rhode Island