CRMC Chairman Tikoian confirmed by RI Senate

WAKEFIELD — Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council Chairman Michael M. Tikoian was confirmed by the full state Senate on May 3 for the next three-year term to begin Feb. 1, 2005 and ending Jan. 31, 2008.

Tikoian, a Narragansett resident, was originally appointed by former Gov. Bruce Sundlun in June 1993, was re-appointed by former Gov. Lincoln Almond and then made chairman of the Council. He has now been re-appointed by Gov. Donald Carcieri.

Prior to his confirmation by the Senate, Tikoian went before the Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture, chaired by Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, on April 13, to receive a recommendation for re-appointment. Officials who testified on behalf of Tikoian included Warwick Mayor Scott Avedesian; former RI Department of Environmental Management Acting Director Fred Vincent; Sen. Dennis Algiere (R-Westerly); Sen. Daniel DaPonte (D-East Providence, Pawtucket) and a representative of Save The Bay. Tikoian also received letters in support of the confirmation from the Citizens Advisory Committee representing the Cedar Tree Point Association in Warwick, Sea Grant Rhode Island and former Gov. J. Joseph Garrahy.

During his tenure as chairman of the Council, Tikoian has been involved in numerous projects and has been an integral part of the CRMC process. His accomplishments include promulgating regulations for the review of all activities concerning freshwater wetlands within the coastal zone, and coordinating the state's review of the Army Corps of Engineers' Environmental Impact Statement for the Providence River and Harbor Maintenance Dredging project. Tikoian has worked on revisions to the Narrow River and Salt Ponds Region Special Area Management Plans (SAMPs) and has participated in the Greenwich Bay SAMP process. He has also worked extensively with the public and the Corps concerning these projects.

"I appreciate the trust and confidence Governor Carcieri and the Senate have instilled in me by selecting me for a consecutive term," Tikoian said. "It has been a pleasure working with the Council and the public and I look forward to working with them on future projects and issues."