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RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO MAKE PUBLIC CONSULTANT'S STUDIES RELATED TO DISMANTLING AND DISPOSAL OF THE JAMESTOWN BRIDGE

WHEREAS, The United States Coast Guard has explicitly required the State of Rhode Island to dismantle and dispose of the former Jamestown Bridge connecting Conanicut and Aquidneck Islands; and

WHEREAS, The House Commission to Study Fin Fish in Rhode Island Coastal Waters has reviewed and considered a range of options for disposal of the former Jamestown Bridge that will enhance fishing opportunities in Rhode Island waters, including preserving a portion of the bridge for a public fishing pier, and placement of portions of the bridge in Rhode Island Sound and Narragansett Bay; and

WHEREAS, Said commission's additional findings recognize the provisions of RI Const. Art 1. Sec 17, which states in relevant part that "The people shall continue to enjoy and freely exercise all the rights of fishery, and the privileges of the shore, to which they have been heretofore entitled under the Charter and usages of this State," ; and

WHEREAS, It is the duty of the General Assembly to provide for the conservation of the natural resources of the State and to hold the marine resources in trust for the benefit and use and enjoyment of the people of this State; and

WHEREAS, Said commission's additional findings and recommendations include that a properly maintained public fishing pier would improve fishing access and that the properly sited man made reefs would enhance fishing opportunities; and serve as a valuable tourist attraction for the State; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Transportation has retained a consultant to complete studies related to the dismantling and disposal of the former Jamestown Bridge; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby supports the preservation of a portion of the former Jamestown Bridge as a fishing pier and the placement of portions of said bridge as man made reefs as recommended by the House Commission to Study Fin Fish in Rhode Island Coastal Waters; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this House respectfully requests the Director of the Department of Transportation to publicly disclose the reports of its consultants related to these matters, and to provide for proper public participation in the process of siting, operating and maintaining these facilities; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Director of the Department of Transportation.