Requires municipalities to maintain and update a list of CRMC designated rights-of-way to tidal areas in their municipality.
Impact
If enacted, H5686 could significantly impact local coastal management practices. Municipalities will need to allocate resources to identify, document, and maintain these rights-of-way accurately, which may require additional coordination between local governmental bodies and the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC). This compliance could strengthen public trust in local governance and increase community engagement in coastal management. The bill aims to balance development with the preservation of public access rights, addressing concerns that challenges in accessing natural resources undermine community enjoyment and ecological stewardship.
Summary
House Bill H5686 aims to enhance the management of coastal resources in Rhode Island by requiring municipalities to maintain and regularly update a list of designated rights-of-way that provide access to tidal areas. This legislative measure is an attempt to ensure public access to coastal regions, which can often be limited by private developments or unclear jurisdiction over these areas. By mandating municipalities to keep an official record of these rights-of-way, the bill promotes transparency and facilitates better public awareness about available access points to tidal waterways.
Contention
However, the bill may also evoke debate and contention. Some local governments might resist the added responsibilities and potential costs associated with documenting and maintaining these rights-of-way. Additionally, stakeholders involved in coastal development may argue that the bill could restrict future development projects or complicate existing agreements, as ensuring public access can conflict with private property rights and land-use strategies. Balancing development interests with public access will likely be a crucial discussion point as the bill progresses through legislative processes.
Provides that the legislature would be the body that negotiates on behalf of the state for all activities occurring in, on and over state submerged land extending beyond twenty-five (25) acres.
Provides that the legislature would be the body that negotiates on behalf of the state for all activities occurring in, on and over state submerged land extending beyond twenty-five (25) acres.
Requires that any lease of tidal lands, or any license issued to use those lands, be approved by the general assembly, and that the coastal resources management council review all request prior to presentation to the general assembly.
Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfers all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.
Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfers all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.
Replaces the coastal resources management council with a state department of coastal resources and transfers all of the powers and duties between the two (2) authorities.
Requires the department of administration to publish a report to the speaker of the house, president of the senate, and secretary of housing evaluating the cost to establish and maintain a statewide geographic information system.
Provides for an appropriation by the general assembly in the amount of two million dollars ($2,000,000) to the various school districts and municipalities to employ additional social workers.