City & Government

(Middletown, R.I.) A historic church and churchyard in Middletown have received federal recognition for their contributions to the history of architecture, art, and community development. Jeffrey Emidy, Interim Executive Director of the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, announced that the National Park Service has listed St. Columba’s, the Berkeley Memorial Chapel, in the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register is the Federal Government’s official list of properties throughout the United States whose historical and architectural significance makes them worthy of preservation. Constructed in 1884-86, St. Columba’s Chapel is an excellent example of the English Gothic Revival style, and the building and cemetery showcase the work of prominent architects and designers. The property is also significant for its role in Middletown’s development as a summer resort community at the turn of the century.
Middletown’s bucolic landscape began to attract summer residents as early as the 18th century. By the mid-19th century, several country estates had been established in the eastern part of town, known as “Paradise.” Eugene Sturtevant of Boston rented a home in the area in 1871 and saw a development opportunity. He purchased local farmland, laid out Indian Avenue, and platted 100 house lots.
By the early 1880s, summer residents were working with the Episcopal Diocese on plans for a mission church in Paradise. Sturtevant and his wife, Mary Clark Sturtevant (daughter of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island) provided a 1.4-acre lot at the intersection of Vaucluse Avenue and Indian Avenue. Members of the Indian Avenue community and a number of Newporters provided funding towards the project and several local farmers made their contribution by digging the chapel’s foundation. The first services were held at the chapel in June 1885, one year before construction was complete.
St. Columba’s, the Berkeley Memorial Chapel, drew its name from two sources. The building was dedicated to St. Columba, an Irish missionary credited with bringing Christianity to Scotland. And it honors the memory of Anglo-Irish philosopher George Berkeley (also known as Bishop Berkeley) who lived in a farmhouse two miles east of St. Columba’s between 1729 and 1731.
The chapel has exterior walls of rough-cut schist and granite and a steeply-pitched, slate-shingled, gable roof. A series of stone buttresses are situated along the window bays and at the corners of the chapel. The principal entry is located in a gable-roof porch. The interior walls are also of stone, floors are wood plank, and the vaulted ceiling is supported by decorative trusses and finished in tongue-and-groove wood sheathing.
The design of St. Columba’s was an early commission for architect Wilson Eyre, Jr. (1858-1944). Born in Florence, Italy and raised in Philadelphia, Eyre had ties to Newport, where his family spent summers and he attended boarding school. Eyre trained for one year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before joining a Philadelphia architectural firm in 1877. ‘His only other surviving Rhode Island project is a summer home known as “Anchorage” in Watch Hill (1913-14).
The chapel features a number of memorial stained-glass windows designed by noted artist D. Maitland Armstrong (1836-1918). A former summer resident of Newport and Paradise Valley, he practiced law before becoming a painter and then a stained-glass designer in the 1880s. The 14 windows he designed for St. Columba’s in 1885-86 were manufactured by the Tiffany Company of New York. The design and manufacture of the large stained-glass window in the west elevation (installed in 1885) is attributed to the Belcher Mosaic Glass Company of New York City and Newark.
The property also includes a historic burying ground with many stones carved by John Howard Benson, John Everett Benson, and Nicholas Benson of the John Stevens Shop in Newport. Another notable work of funerary art is the Art Moderne-style marker for the grave of filmmaker Varick Frissell (1903-1931) by sculptor Gerome Brush. The perimeter of the property is encircled by stone walls with a cypress-and-stone, Gothic Revival-style lych gate south of the chapel entrance. Common in England, lych gates provide a sheltered spot for the priest to receive the casket before a funeral service. Designed by Boston architect Henry Vaughan (1845-1917), this structure was dedicated in memory of Indian Avenue summer residents Reverend Henry A. Coit and his wife, Mary in 1897.
“St Columba’s is a living, evolving community of faith, a 21st-century congregation with enormous respect for its history, and I’m proud of the way that generations of hard-working parishioners have cared for this beautiful chapel and churchyard,” said Rev. Anne Bolles-Beaven, the rector of St. Columba’s. “It is an honor to have this property placed on the National Register, and we are grateful to the RIHPHC and Architectural Historian Joanna Doherty for making that possible. The recognition comes at an important moment in our efforts to preserve this legacy for future generations.”
RIHPHC’s Interim Executive Director Jeffrey Emidy added, “St. Columba’s is a beautiful property with an important place in the history of Middletown. The congregation has done a wonderful job preserving the church, cemetery, and grounds for over 140 years and we congratulate and thank them for their dedication.”
The National Register documentation was prepared by RIHPHC Architectural Historian Joanna Doherty. In addition to honoring a property for its contribution to local, state, or national history, listing on the National Register provides additional benefits. It results in special consideration during the planning of Federal or federally assisted projects and makes properties eligible for Federal and Rhode Island tax benefits for historic rehabilitation projects. Owners of private property listed on the National Register are free to maintain, manage, or dispose of their property as they choose. As the state office for historic preservation, the RIHPHC is responsible for reviewing and submitting Rhode Island nominations to the National Register. The nomination for St. Columba’s is available on the RIHPHC website, www.preservation.ri.gov.

PROVIDENCE, RI – Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea is reminding Rhode Islanders that they have until Tuesday, August 23, to submit a mail ballot application to their local board of canvassers for the statewide primary election on September 13.
Mail ballot applications must be received by Tuesday, August 23, not postmarked. Voters may place applications in the mail or drop them off in person at their local board of canvassers. Addresses for all boards of canvassers can be found on the back of the mail ballot application.
“Voting by mail is a safe and secure option for casting your ballot,” said Secretary Gorbea. “I strongly encourage all Rhode Islanders that wish to vote from home with a mail ballot to put their applications in the mail at least a week before the deadline to ensure they are received in time. If you are not able to do that, take it to your city or town hall.”
The Department of State has partnered with public libraries throughout Rhode Island to make mail ballot applications available. Registered voters may also access a mail ballot application by visiting vote.ri.gov or by contacting the Department of State’s Elections Division at 401-222-2340 or elections@sos.ri.gov.
Voters who do not return their mail ballot application by the August 23 deadline, or those who prefer to vote in person can still vote in person, either early or on Election Day. Early voting will be available during regular municipal business hours from August 24 through 4:00 p.m. on September 12. Voters may contact their local board of canvassers for details on early voting. Voters choosing to vote on Election Day should go to vote.ri.gov to check their polling place information.
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PROVIDENCE, RI – La Secretaria de Estado, Nellie M. Gorbea, les recuerda a los habitantes de Rhode Island que tienen hasta el martes, 23 de agosto, para presentar sus solicitudes para votar por correo a sus juntas locales de elecciones para las Elecciones Primarias estatales del 13 de septiembre.
Las solicitudes para votar por correo deben ser recibidas a más tardar el martes, 23 de agosto y no llevar matasellos. Los votantes pueden enviar sus solicitudes por correo o entregarlas personalmente a su junta local de elecciones. Las direcciones se encuentran en la parte posterior de la solicitud.
“Votar por correo es una forma segura de emitir su voto”, dijo la Secretaria Gorbea. “Yo le recomiendo encarecidamente a todos los habitantes de Rhode Island elegibles para votar que envíen sus solicitudes para votar por correo antes de este fin de semana, para así asegurar que sean recibidas a tiempo. Si es que no pueden hacerlo, llévelas a su ciudad o ayuntamiento”.
El Departamento de Estado se ha unido con las bibliotecas públicas alrededor de Rhode Island para poner a su disposición las solicitudes para votar por correo. Los votantes inscritos también pueden solicitar sus papeletas de votación por correo, visitando vote.ri.gov o comunicándose con la División de Elecciones del Departamento de Estado al 401-222-2340 o a elections@sos.ri.gov.
Aquellos votantes que no presenten sus solicitudes para votar por correo antes de la fecha límite del 23 de agosto o aquellos votantes que prefieren votar en persona, pueden votar por adelantado o el Día de las Elecciones. La votación por adelantado estará disponible durante el horario regular laboral municipal desde el 24 de agosto, hasta el 12 de septiembre a las 4:00 p.m. Los votantes pueden comunicarse con su junta local de elecciones para obtener más detalles sobre la votación adelantada. Los votantes que deseen votar en el Día de las Elecciones pueden visitar vote.ri.gov para tener más información sobre sus lugares de votación.
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PROVIDENCE, RI – Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea is reminding Rhode Islanders that they have until Sunday, August 14, to register to vote or update their voter information for the September 13 statewide primary election. Rhode Islanders should check their voter registration status by using the Department of State’s Voter Information Center at vote.ri.gov.
Eligible residents can register to vote in three ways:
1. Go online to vote.ri.gov
2. Download a voter registration form and submit it to your local board of canvassers by August 14
3. Drop off a voter registration form at one of the locations designated by your community (please contact your local board of canvassers for these locations)
“I am committed to engaging and empowering all Rhode Islanders to play an active role in our state’s future, and the first step is being registered to vote,” said Secretary Gorbea. “Go to vote.ri.gov to register to vote or make sure your information is up to date.”
Another important date for voters to be aware of is Monday, August 15, which is the deadline for registered voters to disaffiliate from their political party if they wish to vote in a different party primary election on September 13.
If you are affiliated with a specific political party, you may only vote in that party’s primary. Unaffiliated voters—also known as independent voters—may vote in either party primary. However, by casting a vote in a party primary, voters automatically become affiliated with that party under Rhode Island law.
There are two ways to disaffiliate before the statewide primaries:
1. Update your voter record at vote.ri.gov to change your party.
2. Download a voter registration form and submit it to your local board of canvassers by August 15th at 4:00p.m.
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La Secretaria Gorbea les Recuerda a los Habitantes de Rhode Island Sobre las Próximas Fechas Límites para las Inscripciones y Desafiliaciones de los Votantes
Providence, RI – La Secretaria de Estado Nellie M. Gorbea les recuerda a los habitantes de Rhode Island que tienen plazo hasta el domingo, 14 de agosto para inscribirse para votar o actualizar su información electoral para las Elecciones Primarias Estatales. Los habitantes de Rhode Island deben revisar el estado de sus registros electorales utilizando el Centro de Información del Votante del Departamento de Estado en vote.ri.gov.
Los habitantes elegibles para votar pueden inscribirse de las siguientes tres formas:
1. De forma virtual en vote.sos.ri.gov
2. Descargando un Formulario de Inscripción de Votante y entregándolo a su Junta Local de Elecciones a más tardar el 14 de agosto.
3. Depositando el Formulario de Inscripción de Votante en el lugar designado en su comunidad (comuníquese con su junta local de elecciones para localizar estos lugares).
“Estoy comprometida en involucrar y empoderar a todos los habitantes de Rhode Island a desempeñar un papel activo en el futuro de nuestro estado y el primer paso es votando”, dijo la Secretaria Gorbea. “Visite vote.ri.gov para inscribirse para votar y asegurar que su información se encuentre actualizada”.
Otra fecha importante que los votantes deben estar atentos es el día lunes 15 de agosto, la cual es la fecha límite para que los votantes registrados con un partido político puedan desafiliarse de ese partido político si es que desean votar por un partido político diferente en las Elecciones Primarias Estatales del 13 de septiembre.
Si usted está afiliado con un partido político, solo puede votar en las Elecciones Primarias de ese partido. Los votantes no afiliados – también conocidos como votantes independientes—pueden votar en las Elecciones Primarias de cualquier partido político. Sin embargo, votar por algún partido político en las Elecciones Primarias Estatales, los votantes serán automáticamente afiliados en dicho partido político de acuerdo a las Leyes de Rhode Island.
Existen dos formas para desafiliarse antes de las Elecciones Primarias Estatales:
1. Actualizando su registro de votantes en vote.ri.gov y cambiar su partido político.
2. Descargando un Formulario de Inscripción de Votante y entregarlo a su Junta Local de Elecciones con el cambio de partido político a más tardar el 15 de agosto a las 4:00 p.m.
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PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor McKee continued his #RIMomentum Tour on Federal Hill joined by Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, members of the General Assembly, Commerce Secretary Liz Tanner, Executive Director of the Federal Hill Commerce Association Rick Simone, and members of the business and arts communities to announce $2.9 million in grants to support the tourism, hospitality, and events industries in Rhode Island with a focus on developing outdoor and public space capital improvements or event programming.
The RI Rebounds Placemaking Program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The Placemaking initiative builds upon another RI Rebounds program, HTE direct grant program, which has disbursed more than $6 million in grants to more than 150 severely impacted businesses in the hospitality, tourism, and events industries.
“We’re building on Rhode Island’s momentum by making strategic investments in the tourism, hospitality and events industries by supporting projects that draw visitors to communities and businesses that were impacted by the pandemic,” said Governor McKee. “It’s all about bringing people back together in places that are meant to serve as hubs of activity. In a state like Rhode Island, our size is to our advantage – you can be at the beaches of South County in the morning and on Federal Hill for dinner by the evening. We want people to capitalize on the fact that you can be anywhere in Rhode Island in just about an hour. It’s an attractive destination that offers so much to do in not just a weekend, but a day.”
Placemaking, event programming, and outdoor and public space capital improvements under this initiative include activities designed to draw visitors to impacted districts and support businesses in the tourism and hospitality industries which have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples of projects include public art installations, public or co-shared outdoor space, maintenance/improvements to public outdoor performances/event venues. Additionally included as examples under this program are catalytic events and maintaining/improving public parks, plazas, and/or recreational areas, and updating relevant signage promoting outdoor public spaces in tourist regions.
“Our public spaces are the heart of our cities and towns, and businesses and residents alike need them to be vibrant,” said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. “These grants will help restore and improve parks, beaches, and main streets across Rhode Island. I am already looking forward to joining our neighbors at the celebrations that these grants will make possible.
“As Rhode Island continues to recover from the economic effects of the COVID -19 pandemic, the Placemaking Program will bring needed support to the hospitality, tourism, and events industries in Rhode Island”, said Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner. “Today we celebrate 32 creative proposals from municipalities improving public infrastructure to festivals, events, and concerts to outdoor Salsa Nights, and holiday celebrations. There is something here for every Rhode Islander to enjoy.”
Eligible applicants to this program include nonprofit organizations, chambers of commerce, municipalities, business cooperatives, tourism regions, and arts/cultural institutions. To be eligible under this program, an organization must demonstrate the manner in which its proposal will aid the tourism and hospitality industries that have been negative impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following projects were funded:
OUTDOOR AND PUBLIC SPACE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Town of Smithfield – To construct an outdoor amphitheater, stage, electrical work, landscaping, a restroom facility, and garbage receptacles in addition to family friendly summer and early fall programming.
– Grant amount: $150,000
City of East Providence – To implement the recently completed citywide interpretive signage plan for the City’s 31 historic resources. Funding would support research, writing, image acquisition and graphic production for signage.
– Grant amount: $75,000
City of East Providence – For the capital investment of lighting including receptacles along the East Bay Bike Path to enable small and large events to be held in the evening hours. This request is also for the procurement of a portable stage, portable audio system, and two pop-up Canopies. These elements can also be used throughout the City to support additional events that will bring tourism and revenue to support other local establishments.
– Grant amount: $75,000
City of Cranston – To finalize construction drawings and construct an ADA accessible gazebo in Knightsville Pocket Park.
– Grant amount: $150,000
Town of Cumberland – To improve Diamond Hill Park amphitheater purchase lighting and sound equipment and create a portable stage.
– Grant amount: $150,000
Town of Glocester – To construct a large, covered picnic area with tables for outdoor seating to supplement restaurant outdoor dining and a small parking area to facilitate accessibility and wayfinding signage.
– Grant amount: $150,000
Town of Bristol – To support the design and construction of an outdoor performance stage at Bristol’s Town Beach and Sports Complex.
– Grant amount: $150,000
City of Woonsocket – To demolish and rebuild the existing stage that is located at World War II Memorial Park.
– Grant amount: $150,000
Friends of Linden Place Mansion – For lights to expand outdoor programming. Funding request also includes benches for outdoor spaces, project management, audio tour creation of the gardens and grounds, audio tour script development, and installation of power throughout the gardens.
– Grant amount: $34,536.38
PUBLIC ART INSTALLATIONS
Town of South Kingstown – For design, installation, and future maintenance of an outdoor public art piece in conjunction with the Town’s 300th Anniversary Celebration.
– Grant amount: $150,000
The City of Providence Department of Art Culture & Tourism (ACT) – To create three immersive cultural heritage installations along Broad Street in Providence.
– Grant amount: $75,000
Partnership for Providence Parks, Recreation Centers, and Streetscapes – To build ARTCarts that will promote creativity and facilitate placemaking by attracting residents of Providence back into the public spaces, neighborhoods, and businesses around them.
– Grant amount: $61,691.10
The Avenue Concept – For temporary lighting events , permanent public art light in downtown Providence, as part of the Three Nights of Light Providence experience.
Project will align with two other events-based projects recommended for funding below: Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau and WaterFire Arts Center.
– Grant amount: $152,500
South County Tourism Council – To create public art trail, with art focused on sustainability set up in rural locations near Blackstone Valley throughout South County.
– Grant amount: $50,000
EVENT PROGRAMMING
City of Central Falls-Blackstone Valley Tourism – For funding of a food truck festival, salsa dance night, 4th of July celebration, a river cleanup program, car show.
– Grant amount: $42,150
Town of North Providence – To expand their Centredale Village Festival, successfully hosted in 2021, a three-day festival that attracted a crowd of approximately 500 each day to the Smith Street corridor.
– Grant amount: $150,000
Town of Lincoln -To improve and expand programming amenities at Chase Farm and to expand public event programming to consist of outdoor events throughout the year. Expanded events include second annual Memorial Day Parade and Post-Parade, a weekend Farmer’s Market, Fall Festival, and Holiday Tree Decoration and Lighting Festival.
– Grant amount: $26,423
WaterFire Arts Center – For 3 nights of light to take place December 1-3, 2022. Funding would support activation of basin for 3 nights of WaterFire and additional illumination/activation of the State House.
Project will align with two other events-based projects recommended for funding below: Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau and Avenue Concept.
– Grant amount: $86,250
Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau – To develop citywide Three Nights of Lights to take place from Dec 1-3, 2022 in partnership with WaterFire (also Placemaking applicant) and The Avenue Concept (also Placemaking applicant). Funding request is for advertising, collateral production, and public relations.
Project will align with two other events-based projects recommended for funding below: Avenue Concept and WaterFire Arts Center.
– Grant amount: $40,000
NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley – To expand Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series, now entering its 5th season. The initiative will expand the 10 weeks of diverse, free, live music, to include extensive food offerings, a vendor fair, cultural activities, youth activities, and other opportunities to engage small businesses.
– Grant amount: $15,000
Federal Hill Commerce Association – For Christmas on the Hill event spanning December 1-31, 2022, with the aim of expanded dining and retail footprint for restaurants and retailers in a month that is vital to closing out the calendar year in a positive way. Request includes staffing, production, performers and other equipment, trolleys, signage, and marketing.
– Grant amount: $133,200
Wilbury Theatre Group – To support the production of outdoor performances at the 9th annual Providence Fringe Festival, July 17-30, 2022.
– Grant amount: $59,235.78
Grow Smart RI -To develop and present a series of professional and community education workshops, events, and materials that will increase the capacity of local organizations and individuals to implement a variety of placemaking strategies in traditional commercial districts that support Rhode Island’s tourism and hospitality industries.
– Grant amount: $36,206
Dirt Palace Public Projects – To create Post Pandemic Picnics, which will focus on public art, preservation, poetry, and music.
– Grant amount: $87,492
East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce – For a series of outdoor events (new and proposed enhanced existing) as an extension of the work that the Chamber has done for many years, particularly during 2020 and 2021 to enhance the East Greenwich business community.
– Grant amount: $44,840
Newport County Development Council – To deliver a range of one-day to series events including hosting the Aquidneck Growers Market, Broadway Street Fair, and Outdoor Art Biennial Exhibition.
– Grant amount: $88,358.64
Rhode Island Zoological Society (Roger Williams Park Zoo) – To enhance outdoor Holiday Light Spectacular (HOLS) event for 2022 and beyond, all designed to attract additional new visitors to the zoo’s HOLS event from Rhode Island and visiting states.
– Grant amount: $59,989.95
Firstworks – For two Urban Carnevale projects to activate Providence public spaces, the bandstand at Roger Williams Park and Downton Providence (via video projections).
– Grant amount: $138,338
Island Moving Company – To expand reach and help to produce the Newport Dance Festival.
– Grant amount: $77,280
COMBINATION OF EVENTS AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Hope Street Merchant Association – To continue beautification projects and to bring back revenue generating events including landscaping, outdoor pop-up spaces, small business Saturday valet parking, marketing and public relations, neighborhood decorative initiative, and a holiday winter stroll.
– Grant amount: $96,600
The Providence Foundation – For an initiative focused on activating 8 parks in downtown Providence and creating planned programming in those spaces.
– Grant amount: $132,000
Woonsaquatucket River Watershed Council – For pocket parks, greenspace amenities, public art tours, and river based events.
– Grant amount: $75,000
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PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing that it has implemented changes to the lifeguard certification process to make it easier for candidates to apply. DEM hopes the changes will increase the number of lifeguard applicants and its ability to keep beaches supervised and protected. This will be a multiyear process, and DEM will be implementing two changes before the traditional full certification test in August. Below are the changes for 2022:
o Any lifeguard who currently holds a full certification that’s due to expire on Sept. 30, 2022, will be exempt from taking a test this month. DEM will be extending the expiration of their current state certification until June 15, 2023. These eligible candidates will receive notification for their records.
o Any lifeguard who presently holds a conditional certification is still required to attend the August certification. However, these candidates will be tested only on the swim portion. They will not need to demonstrate rescue skills at that time.
Certification for 2023 will take place in the spring of 2023 and require a demonstration of rescue skills and the completion of the endurance swim. The endurance swim may be performed in a pool before the certification or may be completed at the time of the certification testing in the spring of 2023. There will no longer be any testing in August after 2022.
Below are the changes that will take effect in 2023:
o The allowable endurance swim distance will be 400 meters or 440 yards. The endurance swim still must be completed in under 10 minutes and with only a forward-facing swim stroke.
o The endurance swim may be performed in a pool before attending a testing date for state certification. You may perform this endurance swim in any state in which you reside or attend school between March 2023 and the date you intend to attend the state certification test. The endurance swim must be performed in front of an approved aquatic examiner who will attest and complete a proof of endurance swim form. DEM is developing this form and will define who may be considered an approved aquatic examiner. The form will be housed in the Lifeguard Certification Portal.
o At the time of the state certification test, you will be required to present the proof of endurance swim form along with all other required forms and certifications (first aid, CPR, lifeguard training) and the completed lifeguard certification form to DEM.
o If you do not complete the endurance swim before the state certification test or if you fail to provide a properly executed proof of endurance swim form you will be required to perform the endurance swim on the state certification test date.
o All candidates are required to register for a specific testing time via the Lifeguard Certification Portal. Walk-ins will be allowed as testing schedule dictates. If you need to perform the endurance swim at the state certification test, we recommend the use of a wetsuit if you have concerns about the water temperature.
o Starting in the spring of 2023, state certification test dates will be expanded to include later hours, as well as weekend testing dates to better accommodate candidates’ schedules.
To review any changes, please review on our website. For questions, please contact the DEM Division of Parks and Recreation by phone at 401-667-6200 or DEM.RIparks@dem.ri.gov. DEM continues to accept applications for seasonal positions including qualified lifeguards for state beach facilities. Positions are still available at many locations throughout the state. All lifeguard positions require certification and special training in first aid, CPR, and lifesaving.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Lincoln Woods State Park Beach in Lincoln for swimming because of high bacteria levels. RIDOH recommends reopening the Surfer’s Rock end of Sachuest Beach (also known as Second Beach) in Middletown for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels.
RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality through Labor Day. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751). A list of closed beaches can also be accessed at health.ri.gov.

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee signed an Executive Order today at Rocky Point Fishing Pier in Warwick establishing Sunday, July 31, as Rhode Island’s 33rd annual Governor’s Bay Day. The event includes free parking at all Rhode Island state surf beaches on July 31 and recreational saltwater fishing without having to purchase a saltwater fishing license on Friday, July 29, through Sunday, July 31.
Also, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will waive the roundtrip fare on all service to South County beaches on the Route 66 (URI/Galilee) Express Beach Bus. Route 66 (URI/Galilee) provides weekend-only express service from Central Falls, Cranston, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket to Salty Brine, Roger Wheeler (Sand Hill Cove), and Scarborough State Beaches. Service to the beach will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The Governor and Lt. Governor will take the Express Beach Bus from Providence to Roger Wheeler on Sunday morning.
“Governor’s Bay Day is one of the summer’s best traditions and a chance for Rhode Islanders to get out and enjoy our beautiful state surf beaches at no cost,” said Governor McKee. “We’re also lucky to live in a place with some of the best fishing anywhere. I invite experienced anglers to consider taking a beginner out and helping them cast their first line in Narragansett Bay this weekend.”
“Promoting equal access to our shores is a uniquely Rhode Island value. I encourage all Rhode Islanders to take advantage of the opportunities that Governor’s Bay Day affords to access facilities and activities that might not always be conveniently available to everyone,” said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. “And whether you’re heading to the beach for a swim or to the nearest pier to drop a fishing line in the saltwater, please be careful around water!”
“Rocky Point is a crown jewel of Warwick and the Rocky Point fishing pier is a crown jewel of Rhode Island recreational saltwater fishing,” said Representative Joseph J. Solomon. “I hope that all Rhode Islanders will get to experience the joy of fishing on Narragansett Bay this Governor’s Bay Day.”
“As we celebrate Narragansett Bay, our state’s picturesque coastlines, and going to the beach and boating and fishing, we should also recognize that as a state, Rhode Island continues to invest in facilities to expand public shoreline and fishing access,” said Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey. “The Rocky Point pier was largely financed by green bond funding approved by voters. There will be another green bond referendum question on the ballot in November and I urge Rhode Islanders to remember how much good we can accomplish through these investments.”
“Narragansett Bay is the centerpiece of our Rhode Island environment and the core of many aspects of our quality of life here,” said Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Director Terry Gray. “Many, many DEM programs focus on protecting and restoring the water quality in the bay, as well as enjoying time out on the water boating, fishing, or simply enjoying the view from one of our beautiful shoreside parks and beaches. Our progress has been amazing but looking back on the start of Governor’s Bay Day, it originated from a disaster – the 1989 grounding of the tanker World Prodigy about a mile from Brenton Point State Park in Newport. The collision caused around 300,000 gallons of oil to spill and wash ashore, devastating wildlife and marine ecosystems. Bay Day began that same year to showcase the beauty of Narragansett Bay and highlight the threats it faces. DEM takes this moment to celebrate our natural resources while recognizing their fragility and the challenges facing environmental stewards to protect them.”
“Fishing appeals to our sense of adventure, teaches us patience, and teaches us how to take care of the environment,” said Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) Executive Director Greg Vespe. “RISAA and the State of Rhode Island share common values and goals aligned on ensuring clean water to fish in and access to recreational opportunities for all. Here’s hoping that Governor’s Bay Day helps spark a new generation of anglers and ecological stewards who will love Narragansett Bay and preserve it for future generations.”
Parking will be free at all state surf beaches:
• Charlestown Breachway and East Beach – Charlestown
• East Matunuck – South Kingstown
• Misquamicut State Beach – Westerly
• Roger W. Wheeler, Salty Brine,
Scarborough North, and Scarborough South – Narragansett
Governor’s Bay Day encourages families to enjoy Rhode Island’s outdoor public spaces and engage in an active lifestyle while also highlighting the economic value of our natural resources. Rhode Island’s natural and public assets – including eight surf beaches, 8,200 acres of parkland, 1,000 campsites, 400 miles of hiking and biking trails, 200 fishing spots, and 25 parks and nature preserves – are magnets, attracting more than 9 million Rhode Islanders and tourists a year. They’re also an engine that adds an estimated $315 million to the economy, generating nearly $40 million in state and local taxes and supporting nearly 4,000 jobs a year.
Saltwater fishing also is an important driver for the state’s economy. There are around 175,000 recreational anglers in Rhode Island and recreational saltwater fishing adds more than $130 million to the economy annually. While the free fishing day provides an opportunity for everyone to fish without a license, it also serves as a reminder that saltwater licenses are required on every day except on Bay Day, and that the license program provides vital support for Rhode Island’s recreational fishing interests.
The Governor’s team will share information on this event using the hashtag #GovBayDay on social media.

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee today announced that his Administration is allocating over $11 million in resources from the Consolidated Homeless Fund (CHF) to 27 nonprofit agencies to assist Rhode Islanders who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. CHF brings together various funding sources, including local, state, and federal dollars, in a single coordinated effort to support homeless programs.
“Addressing the needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness and identifying affordable, permanent housing solutions continues to be a top priority of the McKee-Matos Administration. We could not do this important work without the dedicated service providers who step in up remarkable ways to support this population,” said Governor McKee. “I also thank Speaker Shekarchi and Senate President Ruggerio for supporting this program and for their partnership in taking bold action to address Rhode Island’s housing crisis in our 2023 State budget.”
CHF provides grant funds primarily to nonprofit organizations that provide services to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless.
Eligible Activities:
– Essential Services – Support for individuals and families who are in an emergency shelter.
– Renovation Costs – Major rehabilitation costs of shelters or conversions of buildings into a shelter.
– Shelter Operations – Maintenance (including minor or routine repairs), rent, security, fuel, equipment, insurance, utilities, food, furnishings, staffing and supplies necessary for the operation of the emergency shelter.
– Rapid Rehousing/State Rental Assistance – Housing relocation and stabilization services and short and/or medium-term rental assistance as necessary to help a homeless individual or family move as quickly as possible into permanent housing.
– Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) Lead Eligible Costs – Costs of contributing data to the HMIS designated by the Continuum of Care.
“Community-based service providers, who work tirelessly to provide both shelter and a path to stability for unhoused Rhode Islanders, are vital to our efforts to end homelessness. Today’s grants will allow them to further serve the clients who rely on them,” said Lt. Governor Sabina Matos. “We are going to continue to invest in structured supports at every level to ensure housing is accessible to every Rhode Islander. Thank you to the organizations across the state whose care and commitment have protected families throughout the pandemic.”
“Thanks to Governor McKee’s leadership, we are making a monumental investment through the Consolidated Homeless Fund that will better serve individuals and families in crisis,” said Rhode Island Secretary of Housing Josh Saal. “The flexibility provided through the CHF will enable service providers to maintain and expand homeless shelter resources, expand emergency services for high need populations, offer rental assistance, and carry out other necessary programs to ensure that we make homelessness a brief and rare occurrence.”
Agencies receiving new CHF grant funding:
Amos House
Better Lives RI
Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center
Catholic Social Services
Child and Family Services
Community Action partnership of Providence County
Community Care Alliance
Crossroads RI
Domestic Violence Resource Center
Elizabeth Buffum Chace
Family Services of RI
Foster Forward
House of Hope
Housing Network of RI
Lucy’s Hearth
McAuley Ministries
Newport Mental Health
One Neighborhood Builders
Providence Community Health Centers
RI Coalition to End Homelessness
Sojourner House
THRIVE
Tri- County Community Action Program
Turning Around Ministries
WARM
Washington Services Corporation
Welcome House
Today’s announcement continues the McKee-Matos Administration’s ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness and creating permanent, affordable housing opportunities for Rhode Islanders experiencing housing insecurity. In May, the Governor announced the 2022 Landlord Incentive Program that provides financial incentives to landlords who rent a habitable dwelling to individuals and families who have been challenged in finding a safe, clean, and affordable home. The Governor also recently signed the FY 2023 state budget that includes a $250 million historic investment to support housing at all levels, including supports for individuals experiencing homelessness.
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