The Independent — Shoreline access bill faces uphill climb as RI legislative session draws to an end

Sam Caisse, of North Kingstown, gathers seaweed near Monahan’s Dock in Narragansett on Wednesday morning for an upcoming clambake.  He said he often collects seaweed in the area and has rarely had issues with property owners. Photo: Michael Derr

June 10, 2022

By Bill Seymour — A moment of decision is coming shortly for beach-access advocates.

They want a specific — and dry — point on the coastal ocean waterfront where the public can put up an umbrella, wade in the water, throw in a fishing line and even collect seashells or seaweed.

A House of Representatives bill putting it 10 feet above the high tide mark won approval earlier this year, following a study commission’s recommendation. The state Senate leadership, however, is throwing cold water right now on the idea because its members need more time to study the bill, hold hearings and examine various issues with it.

“I’m not feeling warm and fuzzy about it (being considered) this year,” said state Sen. Susan Sosnowski, a South Kingstown resident, and whose district includes Block Island and South Kingstown.

State Sen. Bridget Valverde, whose district includes East Greenwich, North Kingstown, South Kingstown and Narragansett, also said that state Senate passage looks doubtful.

“It’s my understanding that getting it considered may be hard right now,” she said this week, agreeing with Sosnowski.

Both said that they support the bill passed by the House, but also understand the reasons other senators are cautious and want more time to consider the matter.

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