Rhode Island Sea Grant

Creating Vibrant Waterfronts in Rhode Island

6th Annual Ronald C. Baird Sea Grant Science Symposium
October 19 and 20, 2007
University of Rhode Island
Corless Auditorium, Narragansett Bay Campus

Summary

Many Rhode Island coastal communities are working to create waterfronts with vibrant and diverse qualities that enhance a coastal area's ability to be disaster-resilient, rich with urban coastal public access, and supportive of an economic base that balances traditional and emerging uses, including industrial, mixed use, and recreational activities. In addition, many of these places are engaged in regional processes to resolve economic, environmental, and social issues that impact the waterfronts and their coastal communities.

This two-day symposium will explore how coastal communities - locally, regionally, and nationally - are using the latest environmental, economic, and social science and cutting-edge techniques to enhance and achieve vibrancy along their waterfronts. While the symposium features the waterfronts of Pawtucket, East Providence, and Newport Harbor, key topics are nonetheless critical for all Rhode Island waterfronts and their stakeholders:

Sea Level Rise and Hurricanes

Science Perspective: Projected impacts of hurricanes and sea-level rise on
Narragansett Bay communities

Management Perspective: Opportunities for state and municipal preparation for climate change.

Economics

Science Perspective: Understanding variables to achieve an optimal waterfront.

Management Perspective: Striking a balance of mixed waterfront uses for long-term community benefit.

Presentations

Science for Ecosystem-Based Management: Narragansett Bay in the 21st Century. Presented by Barry Costa Pierce, RI Sea Grant.

The Economy of Waterfronts:: Not Your Average Real Estate. A Brief Overview of Case Studies and Lessons Learned from Work on 200+ US Waterfronts. Presented by Frank Mahady, Principal, FXM Associates

Rhode Island's “Water-based” Economy. Presented by Kevin Hivley, Ninigret Partners.

Storm Surge and Sea Level Rise in Rhode Island Rise in Rhode Island. Presented by Malcolm L. Spaulding, Ocean Engineering, University of Rhode Island.

Discussion of Coastal Insurance Issues. Presented by Jeanne M. Salvatore, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs & Consumer Spokesperson, Insurance Information Institute.

Waterfronts and the CRMC. Presented by Grover Fugate, RI Coastal Resources Management Council.

Smart Waterfronts Resilient Waterfronts. Presented by Charlie Cannon, RI School of Design.

Management Techniques – Changing the Results After Storm. Presented by William L. Coulbourne, P.E.

Sponsors
Rhode Island Sea Grant
Prince Charitable Trusts
Rhode Island Statewide Planning
Urban Land Institute, Rhode Island Chapter
Rhode Island American Institute of Architects
The University of Rhode Island Coastal Institute
Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council
The University of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Center