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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION - STAFFORD POND, TIVERTON, RHODE

ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators Ottiano, Felag, and DiPalma

     Date Introduced: June 11, 2015

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Title 46 of the General Laws entitled "WATERS AND NAVIGATION" is

hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 27.1

PROHIBITION OF POWERBOATS ON STAFFORD POND, TIVERTON, RHODE ISLAND

     46-27.1-1. Legislative findings. -- The general assembly hereby finds and declares that:

     (1) Water is vital to life and comprises an invaluable natural resource which is not to be

abused by any segment of the state's population or its economy. It is the policy of this state to

restore, enhance, and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of its waters to

protect public health;

     (2) The waters of this state are a critical renewable resource which must be protected to

insure the availability of safe and potable drinking water for present and future needs;

     (3) Stafford Pond in the town of Tiverton is the primary source of potable water for the

residents of the town of Tiverton and it is a paramount policy of the state to maintain the quality

of the water in Stafford Pond consistent with its use for drinking supplies and other designated

beneficial uses; and

     (4) The objective of this chapter is to insure the effective and efficient conservation and

protection of the water supplied by Stafford Pond.

     46-27.1-2. Certain powerboats prohibited on Stafford Pond. -- As of July 1, 2015, the

use of powerboats on Stafford Pond in Tiverton, Rhode Island, by persons owning real estate

abutting Stafford Pond and others using the Rhode Island department of environmental

management boat ramp on Stafford Pond or any other access point on Stafford Pond, shall be

limited to powerboats with engines of ten (10) horsepower or less.

     46-27.1-3. Exceptions. -- Law enforcement personnel, authorized rescue personnel, and

personnel of the Stone Bridge fire district, and owners and operators of the water treatment plant

on Stafford Pond, while on official business, may utilize powerboats on Stafford Pond,

notwithstanding the provisions of § 46-27.1-2.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION - STAFFORD POND, TIVERTON, RHODE

ISLAND

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     This act would limit the use of powerboats on Stafford Pond in Tiverton, Rhode Island, to

those with engines of ten (10) horsepower or less, as of July 1, 2015. That limitation would not

apply to law enforcement, rescue and Stone Bridge fire district personnel, as well as the owners

and operators of the Stafford Pond water treatment plant.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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