Chapter 143

2008 -- H 8199 SUBSTITUTE A AS AMENDED

Enacted 07/01/08

A N A C T

RELATING TO HIGHWAYS - THE JAMESTOWN BRIDGE FISHING PARK

Introduced By: Representative Kenneth Carter

Date Introduced: April 24, 2008   

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 24-12-51.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 24-12 entitled "Rhode

Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority" is hereby amended to read as follows:

24-12-51.1. Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge -- Fishing area and park. –Former

Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge – Public fishing area. -- (a) The director directors of the department of

transportation and department of environmental management is are hereby authorized and

directed to retain a portion of the North Kingstown side of the existing the state-owned land

adjacent to the former Jamestown Bridge on the North Kingstown side of the former bridge for

use as a public fishing pier parking area and public shore access site. The portion land so retained

shall be sufficient in area to facilitate the purposes of this section and shall be open to the general

public at no charge, and shall be made accessible to persons with disabilities, and shall provide

the public with free and unfettered access to the shore and/or to any structure built over the water,

in accordance with subsection (b) below.

      (b) The director directors of the department of transportation and department of

environmental management is are hereby authorized and directed to give due consideration to

further development of the public shore access site provided for in this section, particularly with

regard to recreational fishing opportunities. Such consideration shall include, but not be limited

to, the potential establishment of a public fishing pier, boat access, and/or park. In pursuing

further development of the site, the directors shall seek to maximize public use and enjoyment of

the site, particularly with regard to fishing access. Any structures or facilities so developed

develop and maintain a park on state owned land adjacent to the existing Jamestown Bridge on

the North Kingstown side of the bridge, suitable for use in conjunction with the fishing pier

provided for in this section. The park shall be open to the general public at no charge and shall be

made accessible to persons with disabilities.

(c) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in any general or public law,

rule or regulation, the state of Rhode Island shall be responsible for maintenance and security of

the site described in this section.

(d) Notwithstanding the aforementioned, the directors of the department of transportation

and the department of environmental management are hereby authorized to limit public access to

the site described in this section, between sunset and sunrise.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC02787/SUB A/2

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