STATE HOUSE -- The State Senate unanimously voted in favor of a bill sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem, Charles J. Fogarty (D-Dist. 27, Burrillville/Glocester), which sets spending provisions for the "Oil Prevention, Administration and Response Fund" to include funding for habitat restoration projects.
The bill makes amendments to the original "Oil Spill Prevention, Administration and Response Fund" bill that Senator Fogarty introduced in 1996. The "Oil Spill Prevention and Response Fund" act established a dedicated fund to prepare for future oil spills and repair any damage caused by the such spills. This year's "Habitat Restoration" act categorizes the activities which are eligible for funding into post spill, pre-spill and research and development.
"In addition to the existing fund, the recent decision in the North Cape oil spill case has resulted in a substantial money award for the state," stated Fogarty. "This legislation makes some technical changes to how the moneys in this fund are to be spent and it sets aside money for projects that will repair damaged ocean habitats or strengthen existing marine ecosystems."
The bill was a collaborative effort of Senator Fogarty, the Department of Environmental Management, and Save The Bay. The legislation adds to the pre-spill activities eligible for the funding, which includes; restoration, development, and construction of salt marshes, historic fish runs, eel grass beds which have been threatened or destroyed by pollution or neglect, all of which are subject to the approval of the DEM director.
"The provisions set forth in this bill enable us to improve and restore the quality of the bay, in turn making it naturally resilient to the threats that pollution poses," stated Kurt Spalding, Executive Director of Save The Bay. "Senator Fogarty by submitting this legislation is giving Narragansett Bay a fighting chance for a healthy and productive future."
"The Almond Administration is pleased with the Senate passage of this important environmental measure. The legislation will both improve our existing protection against future oil spills and, importantly, increase the restoration of the marine ecosystem of Narragansett Bay and coastal Rhode Island," said Andy McLeod, Director of the Environmental Management.
