WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The projected cost of a new computer system being built for the Rhode Island state government has nearly tripled.
WPRI-TV reports the budget for the Unified Health Infrastructure Project, a new system that will handle public-assistance programs, has reached $364 million.
Officials said the project, launched four years ago, represents the largest information technology project ever undertaken by the state.
The initial estimated budget was $135 million. Gov. Gina Raimondo’s administration projected a $229 million budget in March.
The federal government pays for the bulk of the project’s costs, but taxpayers are also responsible for a portion. If federal officials approve the new budget, the state would be responsible for about $77 million.
A Health and Human Services spokeswoman confirmed the new forecast, but said it isn’t official yet.
