Burrillville Says $1 Million Needed to Fight Invenergy, Will Use Invenergy's Own Money to Do So

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Thursday, June 22, 2017

GoLocalProv Business Team

The Town of Burrillville says that $1 million is needed to fight the Invenergy power plant and that they will use Invenergy’s own money to fight it.

“We knew that Invenergy with its deep pockets was going to unleash a political and public propaganda campaign designed to win EFSB approval. In fact, we are now seeing Invenergy’s latest publicity campaign that funds the launch of Rhode Islanders for Affordable Energy – a newly named group to support the plant," said Town Council President John Pacheco.

"We urge people to carefully look at the statements and advertisements from the group. Keep in mind these are Invenergy’s alternative facts and ongoing propaganda just under a different name," said Pacheco.

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Using Invenergy’s Own Money

The town has set up a dedicated fund to fight the power plant using Invenergy’s own money. The money is provided under the tax agreement negotiated by the Town with Invenergy.

“We knew we would never be able to battle this power plant without additional funding and we also knew despite our best efforts, the power plant could still be forced on us. The tax agreement was to protect the interests of the Town, and since it provides for upfront money with no strings attached, we are using that money to oppose the plant,” said Pacheco.

So far the Town has received $1.175 million as a result of the agreement - and that money is in a dedicated fund to battle the plant.

Energy Facility Siting Act

Efforts remain underway in the General Assembly to pass legislation that would change the Energy Facility Siting Act.

According to the Town Council's release, House Bill H6051 and Senate Bill S0769A were introduced to "provide a more measured approach to decisions on energy plant locations."

The proposed legislation would increase the membership of the EFSB, adding local representation and including "meaningful local participation of host communities in the hearing and decision-making process of the board."

FY18 House Finance Budget

WINNER

CCRI

The state's community college is poised to be the sole beneficiary of the Governor's Promise scholarship program.

It would make Rhode Island the fourth state to have tuition-free community college, allowing every resident the opportunity to earn an associate's degree tuition free. There is no means testing for the program and few standards.

The cost would be roughly $3 million in the FY18 (for the first cohort of students) and then $6 million the following year there are two classes.

LOSER

State Government

As part of negotiations -- and the fiscal realities facing Rhode Island with a nearly $140 million shortfally, the Speaker announced Thursday that $25 million will be cut in general spending.

"It's something we discussed with the Governor and she thinks she can make [it] work," said Matteillo.

Also on the chopping block -- funding for the legislative office to the tune of $2 million.

WINNER

Elderly and Disabled Bus Riders

After levying fares on some of the most needy RIPTA bus riders (the elderly and disabled) for the first time this past year, which resulted in strong public outcry, the House Finance budget contains just over $3 million -- for each of the next two years -- to refund the program this coming year.

WATCH: Opponents of RIPTA Fare Hikes to Rally at RI State House Wednesday Afternoon

Mattiello noted that after the two years is up, it is up to the Governor to find the funding.

TIE

Governor Raimondo

On Thursday, Raimondo learned she is poised to get a piece (jCCRI) of her free college tuition proposal, which had been a major focal point of her budget proposal - and political strategy.

On the flip side, she is tasked with finding $25 million in government spending to cut, in order to balance the budget.

Unlike the May estimating conference, where Rhode Island revenues were found to be off nearly $100 million plus, the Governor can't say she didn't see this coming.

LOSER

Medical Marijuana Expansion

In June, Raimondo called for an increase in medical marijuana dispensaries and an increase in licensing fees to generate $1.5 million in revenue for the state.

She called for "no less than six licensed compassion centers."

On Thursday, Mattiello said it was not in the budget, due the proposal's late timing.

WINNER

Davies High School

The House finance budget contains additional help for manufacturing, including $3.6 million to upgrade facilities at Davies Career and Tech.

LOSER

Commerce Corporation

While Mattiello made scant mention of cuts in the briefing Thursday - save for the $25 million out of government spending -- the question was raised as to where the rest of the $140 million shortfall will come from.

"Millions in cuts came from the Commerce Corp budget. The budget kept the Rebuild RI funding, but money for several other Commerce programs were reduced," said Larry Berman, spokesman for Mattiello.