(a)  The directors of the department of transportation and department of environmental management are hereby authorized and directed to retain the state-owned land adjacent to the former Jamestown Bridge on the North Kingstown side of the former bridge for use as a public parking area and public shore access site. The land so retained shall be open to the general public at no charge, and shall be made accessible to persons with disabilities, and shall provide the public with free and unfettered access to the shore and/or to any structure built over the water, in accordance with subsection (b) below.

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Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 24-12-51.1

  • Department: means the department of transportation, or, if the department shall be abolished, the board, body, or commission succeeding to the principal functions thereof or upon whom the powers given by chapter 5 of Title 37 to the department shall be given by law. See Rhode Island General Laws 24-12-1
  • Jamestown Bridge: means the former bridge over the west passage of Narragansett Bay between the towns of Jamestown and North Kingstown constructed by the Jamestown Bridge commission under the provisions of chapter 2536 of the Public Laws, 1937 and the approaches thereto, and shall embrace all tollhouses, administration, and other buildings and structures used in connection therewith, together with all property, rights, easements, and interests acquired by the Jamestown Bridge commission in connection with the construction and operation of the bridge. See Rhode Island General Laws 24-12-1
  • Public law: A public bill or joint resolution that has passed both chambers and been enacted into law. Public laws have general applicability nationwide.

(b)  The directors of the department of transportation and department of environmental management are hereby authorized and directed to give due consideration to further development of the public shore access site provided for in this section, particularly with regard to recreational fishing opportunities. Such consideration shall include, but not be limited to, the potential establishment of a public fishing pier, boat access, and/or park. In pursuing further development of the site, the directors shall seek to maximize public use and enjoyment of the site, particularly with regard to fishing access. Any structures or facilities so developed shall be open to the general public at no charge and shall be made accessible to persons with disabilities.

(c)  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in any general or public law, rule or regulation, the state of Rhode Island shall be responsible for maintenance and security of the site described in this section.

(d)  Notwithstanding the aforementioned, the directors of the department of transportation and the department of environmental management are hereby authorized to limit public access to the site described in this section, between sunset and sunrise.

History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 348, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 58; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 58; P.L. 2008, ch. 143, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 196, § 1.