R 286

2003 -- S 0406

Enacted 06/18/03

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

PROCLAIMING 2003 TO BE THE "YEAR OF THE WOONASQUATUCKET" IN RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senators Celona, J Montalbano, Ruggerio, Goodwin, and Ciccone

Date Introduced: February 12, 2003

     WHEREAS, The Woonasquatucket River, which flows 18 miles from North Smithfield

to Upper Narragansett Bay, is the focal point of Rhode Island's urban revitalization efforts; and

     WHEREAS, The Woonasquatucket River powered the industrial growth of Providence

and Rhode Island and features many historic sites and buildings; and

     WHEREAS, The United States Environmental Protection Agency has designated the

Woonasquatucket River as an American Heritage River; and

     WHEREAS, Restoration of the River has regional implications as it merges with two

other rivers to form the headwaters of Narragansett Bay, one of the largest salt water estuaries in

the nation; and

     WHEREAS, It is the goal of the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council to return the

water quality of the river to fishable and swimmable by 2020; and

     WHEREAS, It would be beneficial to improve public access to the river and enhance

opportunities for recreational activities; and

     WHEREAS, Efforts are being made to support economic development opportunities and

identify and promote positive growth patterns in the watershed; and

     WHEREAS, The Woonasquatucket River is now being targeted for cleanup activities and

a "greenway"; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island and Providence

Plantations hereby proclaims 2003 as the "Year of the Woonasquatucket" in Rhode Island. This

General Assembly also encourages the citizens of Rhode Island to participate with the

Narragansett Bay Commission's Woonasquatucket River Restoration Initiative and the

Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council in activities to promote awareness and contribute to

the preservation of the Woonasquatucket River; and be it further

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

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Governor Donald L. Carcieri.

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LC01970

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