WJAR — Proposal would give free beach access to Narragansett Indian Tribe

Narragansett Town Council will consider a recommendation to allow members of the Narragansett Indian Tribe free access to the town beach. (WJAR)

May 13, 2022

By CAL DYMOWSKI, NBC 10 NEWS

NARRAGANSETT, RI (WJAR) — A proposal to allow the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island free beach access is three days away from going before the Town Council.

NBC 10 News has obtained a recommendation that comes from two Narragansett Town Council members and builds off an original proposal made by the town's Coastal Access Improvement Committee.

According to the recommendation, approval would restore walk-on beach access for tribe members at the Narragansett Town Beach, and issue them the same seasonal passes available to town residents and taxpayers at no cost.

Seasonal passes are available to town residents and taxpayers at $25 for the season to walk on. Fees are waived for seniors over 62 years old and Narragansett disabled veterans and active-duty military.

Under the measure, an estimated 3,000 tribal members would be eligible.

"It's nice that there are conscientious people who have stepped up to do the right thing. The time is now," said Bella Noka, a Narragansett tribal elder. "There are more people that are waking up realizing all of the wrongs and trying to make rights."

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