Despite the slowing economy and growing state budget problems, it appeared last night that Rhode Islanders overwhelming approved the two state bond issues on the ballot –– $87 million for transportation projects and $2.5 million for preserving open space and farmland.

With 81 percent of the vote reported shortly before 10:30 p.m., the transportation bond issue was winning by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The environmental bond issue was winning by more than 2 to 1.

In Providence, the pluralities were even larger. With 91 percent of the vote counted, the transportation bond was winning by nearly 5 to 1; the environment bond was up by close to 4 to 1.

The 26,375 mail ballots remaining to be counted appeared unlikely to change the outcome for the bond issues.

Both bond issues were viewed as critical for continuing Rhode Island’s infrastructure improvements, land preservation efforts and attracting matching federal grants.

The transportation bond, for instance, was expected to leverage about $436 million in federal funding for Rhode Island road improvement projects.

It was seen as essential for helping to finance repairs to Route 95 in Pawtucket and for helping to pay for the $267 million project to link T.F. Green State Airport to commuter rail lines running to Providence, Boston and Wickford Junction. The project is expected to create 300 construction jobs during the next two years.

About $20 million of the bond issue is earmarked for the so-called intermodal facility. It would attract $80 million in federal funding. Much of the rest of the cost would be covered with bonds repaid through revenues and fees generated by those using rental cars in an adjoining six-floor garage.

The bond money also would finance highway repairs during the next two years.

The state Department of Environmental Management learned Monday that $3.7 million in federal funds for protecting farmland is assigned to Rhode Island, but the state must provide matching grants and it has little money left from previous bond issues. The $2.5 million approved yesterday could bring that federal money into the state.

The environment bond is a shadow of the $85 million initially proposed by Governor Carcieri and the $35 million he finally proposed as the state’s financial crisis worsened this year. The General Assembly eliminated the program, but two legislators, Sen. Susan Sosnowski, of South Kingstown, and Rep. Donna Walsh, of Charlestown, came back with the $2.5 million program that passed on the last day of the legislative session.

Environmentalists lobbied for their bond issue with letters to newspaper editors.

The construction industry spent nearly $200,000 in advertising for the transportation bond in September and October, according to documents filed with the state Board of Elections. The New England Laborers’ Labor Management Cooperation Trust contributed $15,000 toward the campaign, according to the board.

plord@projo.com