Council extends public comment period on Ocean SAMP chapters

June 29, 2010, WAKEFIELD – Chairman Michael M. Tikoian, with the concurrence of the RI Coastal Resources Management Council, has extended the public comment period for two of the Ocean Special Area Management Plan (Ocean SAMP) chapters.

The chairman and the Council extended the timeline on Chapter 5: Fisheries Resources and Uses, and Chapter 8: Renewable Energy until July 2 in order to allow ample opportunity to review the chapters, and so as to not rush the process and assure transparency. In addition, Chapter 2: Ecology of the Ocean SAMP Region will be re-noticed for another 30 day public comment period ending on July 28. Significant revisions were made to the chapter during the previous public comment period, and the re-notice will reflect those changes.

Those interested in commenting on the chapters are invited to submit written comments by July 2, 2010 for Chapters 5 and 8, and by July 28 for Chapter 2. All comments should be directed to Grover J. Fugate, Executive Director, at Oliver Stedman Government Center, 4808 Tower Hill Road, Suite 3, Wakefield, RI 02879-1900. A public hearing has been scheduled for these proposed changes to be held in Conference Room A, Administration Building, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI, on August 24.