After eight months of research, meetings and public input, the members of the House Bay Trust Study Commission released their findings today. The main recommendation is creation of a Rhode Island Bays and Watersheds Coordination Team that would provide a unified approach and continuity relating to matters dealing with Narragansett Bay.
“The time is now for us to recognize the vital importance of Rhode Island’s bays and watersheds to our quality of life,” said Rep. Eileen S. Naughton, co-chair of the study commission. The report also states that the General Assembly should set overall goals and priorities for the bay and provide oversight, while the executive branch should develop and implement plans.
Rhode Island's Market Has Changed. Developers, Builders, Investors and Sellers Must Change With It.
By Emilio DiSpirito IV License Partner | Engel & Völkers Oceanside Leader | The DiSpirito…
Learn More
The Rhode Island House Bay Trust Study Commission was established by the General Assembly last July, after legislators realized the state did not have a long-term plan for the bays and their watersheds. During the past 150 years there have been over 240 planning initiatives for the bays and watersheds.
Since last November, the commission held seven meetings that were open to the public. At these meetings the commission examined successful processes being used in other areas of the country such as the Chesapeake Bay, Puget Sound and San Francisco Bay. It also reviewed planning and implementation efforts in Rhode Island during the last 20 years, assessed the current governance structure in Rhode Island, discussed economic impacts associated with bay and watershed management and evaluated options for improvements.
Ultimately, the commission determined that there needed to be a more efficient and coordinated approach to bay and watershed management, and recommended creating a Rhode Island Bays and Watersheds Coordination Team. The team would provide a unified approach and continuity over time, and would be responsible for coordinating, collaborating, and cooperating among entities involved with bay and watershed management.
The report states that core membership of the team should be representatives of state entities that have relevant statutory authority and receive state funding. The team should also include a scientific advisory committee and a public advisory committee. The authority of the coordination team should not restrict or override the authorities of any local, state or federal entity.
The report from the House Bay Trust Study Commission and supporting documents including agendas, meeting minutes, PowerPoint presentations and briefing papers can be found at the commission’s Web site:
(http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/gen_assembly/baytrust/btsc.htm)
