Senate Committee on Environment & Agriculture
Senator Alana DiMario, Chairwoman
Chair DiMario and Committee Members:
The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) is pleased that you are considering legislation to improve the RI Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC). RISAA has been following developments regarding CRMC for many years because the activities of CRMC affect our members and all saltwater anglers in RI. We support positive changes that are contained in S 772 and S 501 and we believe that these changes will provide a structure to encourage science and engineering driven decision making.
I personally served on the Special House Commission to Study the Coastal Resources Management Council last year and I can state that both S 772 and S 501 are consistent with the findings and recommendations of that commission.
At RISAA we remain concerned about a politically appointed Council with the authority to grant permits that give away our shores and waterways to private interests in conflict with our Rhode Island Constitution, Public Trust Doctrine and the legislation establishing CRMC.
Thank you for all of the work that you do.