Introduced By: Senators O'Leary, Roberts, Walaska, Cicilline and Izzo
Date Introduced : June 29, 1998
Referred To: Senate Read and Passed
WHEREAS, Narragansett Bay is the most vital resource in the state and is essential to the economic and environmental well being of this state; and
WHEREAS, The quality of life plummets in Rhode Island whenever the health of Narragansett Bay is harmed. Whether it is fishing, boating or swimming, Rhode Islanders are very dependent on Narragansett Bay for recreation; and
WHEREAS, When a rainfall of 1/2 inch or more occurs, our treatment facilities get overloaded and millions of gallons of untreated sewage and other wastes flow into Narragansett Bay; and
WHEREAS, Whenever Narragansett Bay is polluted, the economy of this state suffers serious harm. Rhode Island's economy depends heavily on tourism and fishing, particularly shellfishing to sustain and improve our economy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That for the reasons just stated the Rhode Island Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby respectfully requests that the Narragansett Bay Commission and other waste water treatment plants which empty into the Narragansett Bay Basin must inform harbor masters and local communities whenever a rainfall of one-half (1/2) or more occurs; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies to this resolution to the Narragansett Bay Commission and to Save the Bay of Rhode Island.