The Rhode Island House of Representatives approved a resolution sponsored by Rhode Island Rep. Samuel Azzinaro to create a commission to study beach erosion on Tuesday, April 9.
“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,” Azzinaro said.
Azzinaro said the nine-member commission, which would include four members of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, the executive director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, the executive director of the Coastal Resources Management Council, the dean of the biological oceanography program at the University of Rhode Island, the commander of the New England Army Corps of Engineers, and the executive director of the Misquamicut Business Association, would study the cost of beach erosion and make recommendations to solve the problem.
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.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
