(Updated, 12:45 p.m.)
NARRAGANSETT – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has approved a study that inventoried the waters off Rhode Island with an eye toward facilitating development of offshore wind farms.
On Friday, NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco joined Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee at a ceremony at the University of Rhode Island’s Narragansett campus. They signed the ocean Special Area Management Plan drafted by URI researchers and the R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council.
Known as the SAMP, the $9.7 million plan explored the uses of about 1,467 square miles of ocean off Rhode Island. Researchers provided information on marine life, recreation, shipping, topography and more. The CRMC approved the 11-chapter plan in October.
“By developing this plan, Rhode Island has emerged as a national leader in coastal management and ocean stewardship,” Lubchenco said. “This plan takes into account all ocean uses for enhancing commercial, recreational and environmental goals. This plan is what President Obama envisioned in the National Ocean Policy, and it sets a great example for other coastal states.”
State officials have hailed the plan as paving the way for offshore wind farms, such as the two proposed by Deepwater Wind. The Providence-based developer has promised that the farms – the first one slated for off Block Island – will generate hundreds of jobs in Rhode Island and spur a new industry.
CRMC officials have also said that the study should provide Rhode Island with leverage over what occurs in federal waters as NOAA and other agencies defer to the SAMP as a baseline study.
