CRMC introduces Metro Bay SAMP Hazards Chapter

August 31, 2009, WAKEFIELD – The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) recently proposed a new chapter for the Metro Bay Special Area Management Plan (SAMP), which addresses natural hazards – hurricanes, floods and sea level rise – within the Metro Bay region.

The CRMC held a public workshop back in March and has incorporated suggested changes in the document as provided by many stakeholders. Additionally, the CRMC issued a 30-day public notice on July 23 and has solicited public comments. The chapter will be discussed at a public hearing scheduled for September 8, 2009.

The objective of the new SAMP chapter, Natural Hazards, is to inform communities, state and local government, and the public on the relevant coastal hazard issues within the Metro Bay region – the cities of Cranston, East Providence, Providence and Pawtucket. It also proposes recommendations to address and mitigate those hazards. The Metro Bay region is an economic engine, and it faces the challenges of proactive planning for anticipated sea level rise and damage associated with hurricanes and other storm events. The cities are acting to make this region of Narragansett Bay a more appealing place to live and work by improving the economic, social and environmental resources of the working waterfront; attracting major developers with more predictable and efficient permitting; and providing recreation and access to the water.

“With billions of dollars at stake and a potentially greater population moving into these waterfront areas, the need for this chapter was clear,” said CRMC Chairman Michael M. Tikoian. “The Natural Hazards chapter will educate the communities and the state, and help to provide proactive recommendations so that the revitalization of these cities can take into account the natural hazards that could potentially threaten residents, infrastructure and commerce.”

Complementing the proposed SAMP chapter, the CRMC also amended its coastal program in early 2008 with the addition of Section 145 – Climate Change and Sea Level Rise, which projects sea level to rise 3 to 5 feet by 2100. The higher projected mean sea level will have dramatic impacts on Rhode Island’s shoreline, physically affecting coastal infrastructure, residential and commercial buildings and coastal habitats. Increased risk of flooding and storm damage is expected to impact areas farther inland. Flood and storm damage associated with hurricanes and sea level rise will also negatively impact the local and state economies. The last two significant hurricanes to make landfall in Rhode Island were in 1938 and 1954. Since that time significant coastal development has taken place and many new projects are planned within the flood hazard areas of the Metro Bay SAMP region. This chapter defines the hazards of concern and provides recommendations to minimize the risk from hurricane damage and flooding.

The Metro Bay Region SAMP is the fifth to be adopted by the CRMC. For the complete proposed chapter, go to http://www.crmc.ri.gov/regulations_proposed/090809_MBSAMP_Hazards.pdf, and for more information on the Metro Bay SAMP, go to the CRMC web site, www.crmc.ri.gov and click on SAMPs under Topics.