Chapter 378

2009 -- H 6304 SUBSTITUTE A

Enacted 01/05/10

 

A N A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS - BIG RIVER RESERVOIR

MORATORIUM

          

     Introduced By: Representatives Sullivan, Watson, and Guthrie

     Date Introduced: June 23, 2009

 

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

 

     SECTION 1. Section 37-20-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 37-20 entitled "Big River

Reservoir Moratorium" is hereby amended to read as follows:

 

     37-20-1. Big River Reservoir -- Development prohibited. – (a) All land acquired by the

state or any subdivision thereof for the development of the "Big River Reservoir" so-called,

including any land acquired by the Big River -- Wood River Reservoir Site Acquisition Act, P.L.

1964, ch. 133, shall not be sold nor shall the land be developed in any way. The state shall not

allow any future development or continued development on that property, and the property shall

be designated "open space" as defined in section 45-36-1(1) -- (7).

      Provided, however, that the foregoing shall not be construed to prohibit the use of the

said property as a water reservoir, or for the development of wells and well sites together with

any infrastructure necessary for the treatment, transmission, storage and distribution of drinking

water if the water resources board determines that exploration or development of groundwater is

appropriate, then it shall not require legislative action to remove the property from the "open

space" for the purposes of groundwater development as defined in section 45-36-1(1) -- (8).

     (b) Non-motorized bicycles are permitted upon and along land designated as the “Big

River Management Area”. The water resources board, in consultation with the department of

environmental management shall within thirty (30) days of the passage of this act adopt rules and

regulations that include but are not limited to the appropriate designated areas and defined hours

for said uses in the management area.

 

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

     

=======

LC02836/SUB A

=======