Council backs resolution asking state to reimburse water suppliers for private lead-line replacements

Councilor Speaker 12 presented a resolution in support of the Rhode Island Lead Poisoning Prevention Act. The measure urges the General Assembly to reimburse water suppliers that financed private-side lead service-line replacements after Jan. 1, 2018, subject to state appropriation.

Speaker 12 said the Providence Water Supply Board had financed about $5.6 million in private-side replacements through a customer-financing program and asked the council to lend its voice to the board’s request at the state level. The mayor’s office was recorded as supporting the request. The council approved the resolution by voice vote.

The resolution is a municipal expression of support; any reimbursement depends on future action by the General Assembly and the availability of appropriations. The council did not direct city staff to a specific implementation task during the session.