Raimondo admin. wants large hikes in beach, camping fees

PROVIDENCE (AP) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is proposing fee increases at state beaches and campsites as part of the governor’s plan to add staffing in the state parks system.

Under the proposal released Wednesday, weekend beach fees for residents would increase from $7 to $9. The weekend fee for non-res- idents would go up from $14 to $18.

Season beach fees would increase from $30 to $40 for residents and $60 to $80 for non-residents.

Prime campsites would have a single price of $30 for the top tier and $25 for the second-highest tier. The top two tiers currently range from

$14 to $20 for residents.

Agency Director Janet Coit says the state’s parks

and beaches “are being loved to death,” and more must be done to maintain them.

But at least one state legislator says it’s time to draw a line in the sand on fee hikes for recreation.

Rep. Dennis M. Canario (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Little Compton, Tiverton) called the newly proposed increased beach and camping fees ridiculous and dev-

astating to low-income families and tourism in Rhode Island.

“This fee increase proposal is outrageous and will negatively affect not only Rhode Island residents who use and enjoy our beautiful natural resources but also the tourism industry that relies heavily upon our beach and park system. Especially concerning is the impact that

these fee increases will have on our low-income families who camp with their families because it is much more affordable than traveling out of state for much-needed vacations. The camping fee increases are particularly egregious because the rate of increase is far more than the beach fee proposal. In some cases, camp site costs will increase 100%, for customers,

which is not right and unreasonable. This will hurt our residents, tourists looking to enjoy our beautiful parks, and the small businesses that surround and rely upon tourists and residents using the camp grounds. This is simply bad policy and these proposals will not have the effect that is hoped for and the fee increases will restrict access to some of our state’s

most valuable and accessible resources,” said Canario.

“All of these different fee increases add up for the normal hard-working Rhode Island families and I will fight against these fee increases during the legislative session just as I did in the past when the General Assembly lowered these fees during the 2016 session,” concluded Canario.