Groups backing environmental ballot questions

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Two environmental bond questions are on the November ballot this year, and the campaign to get residents to vote "yes" is underway.

With Election Day just four weeks away, various environmental groups are looking to ensure that both clean drinking water and open space continue to exist in Rhode Island.

"Approving both bonds will go a long way at this pivotal moment to ensure that we continue to invest in these natural resources," said Save The Bay Executive Director Jonathan Stone.

Question 5 is the Clean Water Finance Agency Bond, which would borrow $20 million to improve water treatment facilities and drinking water infrastructure.

"Clean water and proper waste disposal are important to health and life," added Tony Simeone of the Clean Water Finance Agency.

Quahogger Jody King has seen signs that the bay is getting cleaner, and he wants that to continue.

"This is what I do for a living. This is what I plan on doing for another 20 years," he said. "I want to come back here in another 20 years and say it is better than today."

Voting yes on Question 6, the Environmental Agency Bond, would restore and protect the Narragansett Bay Watershed. It would also keep and expand open space, recreation areas and the preservation of land for farming, which has already benefited the farming industry.

"If it wasn't for the preservation of that land, that parcel wouldn't be there today, nor would we be able to afford to keep farming," said Vinny Confreda of Confreda Farms.

If approved, projects using the funds could begin as soon as next year.

"I think we owe it to our children and our children's children to continue the good work of those that came before us," said Stone.

Both questions will be featured on the upcoming ballots, and Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 6.