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CRMC approves Narragansett HMP
March 25, 2008, WAKEFIELD – The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) recently gave a five-year approval to the Town of Narragansett Harbor Management Plan, which the town council adopted in December 2006.
The town’s Harbor Management Plan (HMP) was developed to comply with the CRMC’s Section 300.15 of its program, Municipal Harbor Regulations. Following a staff review of Narragansett’s plan, the CRMC determined that the HMP for the town was consistent with the RI Coastal Resources Management Program and the CRMC’s Guidelines for the Development of Municipal Harbor Management Plans. The R.I. Department of Environmental Management, under the CRMC guidelines also found the town’s plan in compliance with the State Water Quality Regulations, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has determined that the HMP is in compliance with its rules related to federal navigation projects. The RI Statewide Planning Program has also declared that the Narragansett HMP is consistent with State Guide Plan elements.
On condition of the five-year approval, the town must amend the HMP’s harbor management ordinance to include CRMC regulations regarding outhauls, and apply to the CRMC for a consistency determination per Section 300.15 of the RICRMP whenever proposing to adopt harbor rules, regulations or programs. The town must also submit an annual list of all town-issued mooring permits during each of the five years.
“The CRMC is pleased that the Town of Narragansett now has an approved Harbor Management Plan for the next five years,” said CRMC Chairman Michael M. Tikoian. “These HMPs are vital tools in evaluating harbor management activities, ordinances and policies, and they provide a framework for sustainable and environmentally responsible harbor management by our coastal municipalities. We applaud the town in their endeavor.”
The CRMC is authorized by the State of Rhode Island to implement regulations and planning programs designed to encourage coastal communities to develop comprehensive municipal Harbor Management Plans. Due to an increase in coastal population density in RI and a simultaneous increased demand for water-related activities and uses of harbor and shoreline areas, the CRMC established comprehensive rules and regulations regarding the development of municipal HMPs.
Harbor Management Plans are designed to:
According to the CRMC program, every coastal community should have a well-thought out and carefully developed HMP that provides a long-term vision for controlled growth and development of harbor and shoreline areas. A sound HMP allows for the community to guide waterfront development expansion, marinas, mooring fields and other recreational boating activities. The Harbor Management Plan is a proactive approach to management; the key is to address these issues before they reach a critical point.
“The success of the CRMC in implementing a statewide program for harbor management and emphasis on HMPs as an important element of community comprehensive plans has created a standard that serves as a model to other states,” Tikoian added.
For more information about Harbor Management Plans, go to the CRMC web site at: http://www.crmc.ri.gov/harbormanagement.html.