New law extends permits

Legislation signed by Rhode Island Gov. Donald L. Carcieri last week extends certain municipal and state permits until June 30, 2011.
The bill applies to permits issued by the R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council, the R.I. Department of Environmental Management and local planning and zoning boards. State Sen. Christopher Maselli, D-Johnston, who introduced the Senate version of the bill, said he did so to provide developers facing money troubles in a difficult economy more time to put shovels in the ground.
“Why make these people go through the same process all over again and spend thousands of dollars just to get the same result?” said Maselli, a Democrat who represents Johnston.
Maselli said no specific project drove the legislation, but the Rhode Island Builders Association encouraged it as a way to help the industry as a whole.
The new law only extends permits already issued and does not resurrect those that already expired.