2012 -- S 2922 SUBSTITUTE A

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LC02576/SUB A/2

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

COUNCIL TO PREPARE A PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH BEACH PROTECTION AND RE-

NOURISHMENT ALONG THE SHORELINE AT THE SOUTH KINGSTOWN VILLAGE OF

MATUNUCK

     Introduced By: Senator V. Susan Sosnowski

     Date Introduced: May 03, 2012

     Referred To: Senate Environment & Agriculture

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     WHEREAS, Increased storm surge levels and stronger, more frequent storm events and

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heavier precipitation increase the frequency of storm-related flood damage and extend flood

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damage to structures lying outside of the existing flood zones, in both coastal and reverie areas;

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and

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     WHEREAS, The effects of coastal erosion upon the shoreline of the South Kingstown

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village of Matunuck have the potential to displace a significant number of residents and cause the

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closing of a number of businesses and institutions, either permanently or for significant periods of

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time; and

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     WHEREAS, Continued inaction may cause significant damage and irreversible effects to

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the village of Matunuck’s infrastructure, residential and commercial structures, economy, and

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community at large; and

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     WHEREAS, The Coastal Resources Management Council (“the Council”) has the ability

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to make studies of conditions, activities, or problems of the state’s coastal region needed to carry

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out its responsibilities; and

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     WHEREAS, The Council has the implementing authority and coordination of state,

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federal, local, and private activities to formulate standards where these do not exist, and

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reevaluate existing standards; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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hereby respectfully requests that the Coastal Resources Management Council prepare a

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comprehensive and detailed plan to address the effects of coastal erosion upon the South

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Kingstown village of Matunuck shoreline and to identify necessary cooperating agencies; and be

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it further

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     RESOLVED, That the plan give appropriate consideration for the preservation of existing

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infrastructure servicing this vicinity and address the need for maintaining continuity of access for

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public safety purposes given the historic nature of this village and the continuing erosive threats

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to Matunuck beach road; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Council consider a variety of shoreline protection measures, both

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hard and soft, in the development of the plan. The plan will also evaluate the use of experimental

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systems and techniques to abate erosion, encourage natural beach accretion, and/or permit sand

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replenishment and beach nourishment. The plan should include cost estimates, sources of

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funding, and an implementation schedule with expected completion dates for each phase; and be

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it further

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     RESOLVED, That the plan be developed in consultation with the Town of South

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Kingstown and representatives from businesses and residents from the village of Matunuck. The

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plan should be submitted to the governor, the speaker of the house, and the senate president no

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later than sixty (60) days after passage of this resolution; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Governor, the Honorable Lincoln Chafee,

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and the Executive Director of the Coastal Resources Management Council.

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LC02576/SUB A/2

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