12-R310

2012 -- S 2922 SUBSTITUTE A

Enacted 05/31/12

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

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

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

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

and

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

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

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

time; and

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

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

community at large; and

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

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

out its responsibilities; and

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

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

reevaluate existing standards; now, therefore be it

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

hereby respectfully requests that the Coastal Resources Management Council prepare a

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

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

it further

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

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

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

to Matunuck beach road; and be it further

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

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

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

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

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

it further

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

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

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

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

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

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

and the Executive Director of the Coastal Resources Management Council.

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LC02576/SUB A/2

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