Northeast Sea Grant Coastal Community Development>Rhode Island
Aquidneck Island SAMP
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Background
The R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council is responsible for the preservation, protection, development and, where possible, the restoration of the coastal areas of the state. It develops coastal management plans and policies and implements the state coastal regulatory program. One of its tools is the Special Area Management Plan (SAMP), through which plans are developed that address the issues and needs of specific coastal areas throughout the state.
The Aquidneck Island SAMP and the West Side Master Plan
CRMC has engaged Rhode Island Sea Grant/URI Coastal Resources Center (CRC/RISG) in the development of the Aquidneck Island SAMP. The SAMP is an opportunity to implement critical portions of the West Side Master Plan, developed by the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission. This year’s SAMP efforts have included: 1) Establishing the SAMP advisory committee to lead the creation and implementation of the SAMP; 2) Formally adopting the West Side Master Plan boundary as the initial SAMP boundary; 3) Developing a strategic suite of SAMP outreach materials and events; 4) and 5) Initiating the development of the Aquidneck Island Habitat Greenway Corridor and Recreation Systems Map.
The SAMP is an important tool for implementing the West Side Master Plan, because without the SAMP, the West Side Master Plan will remain a community-adopted regional plan, with no state or federal requirements for abiding by it. Because of the SAMP’s federal consistency requirement, the SAMP will require the federal government to abide by SAMP policies. For example, in the event that the U.S. Navy/Naval Station Newport excesses or leaves property to island municipalities, it will be required to comply with SAMP mandates, including polices that address recommended property uses.
CRC/RISG will work with the SAMP advisory committee to develop strategies to address coastal issues; some of these have already been identified by the community. These include the need to 1) Strengthen the island’s disaster resilience and reduce impacts of natural hazards; 2) Provide appropriate guidance for coastal growth center development; and 3) Increase recreation opportunities and public access to and along the coast. These areas of focus are compatible with the implementation of the West Side Master Plan. Each issue will include the development of educational materials and training and/or public events to communicate the science and management known about each issue as well as methods for resolving these issues.
View the City of Newport's letter of support
Learn more about work in Aquidneck Island
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