House approves Rep. Azzinaro’s resolution for beach erosion study

STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives today approved a resolution (2024-H 7361) sponsored by Rep. Samuel A. Azzinaro that creates a special study commission to recommend remedies to stop beach erosion in Rhode Island.

“We have a serious problem here in the Ocean State because our beaches are eroding at an alarming rate. Our coastline and beaches are some of the finest in the world and we have to do everything in our power to protect this incredible asset that brings in millions of dollars in business and tourism every single year. This commission will be an important tool to protect our beaches and hopefully reverse the erosion that is plaguing too many oceanfront communities,” said Representative Azzinaro (D-dist. 37, Westerly).

The purpose of the commission will be to make a comprehensive study and cost analysis in order to provide recommendations to remedy the erosion of Rhode Island’s beaches.

The nine-member commission will consist of four members of the House of Representatives; the director of the Department of Environmental Management, or designee; the executive director of the Coastal Resources Management Council, or designee; the dean of the Biological Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island, or designee; the commander of the New England Army Corps of Engineers, or designee; and the executive director of the Misquamicut Business Association, or designee.

The commission will report its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives no later than Jan. 5, 2025, and will expire on March 5, 2025.