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Council hears about U.S. Coast Guard proposal to remove numerous navigation buoys; Harbormaster urges public comment
Summary
The Harbormaster told the council the U.S. Coast Guard is seeking public comment on a proposal to remove many navigation buoys in the Northeast, including a handful that mark approaches near Narragansett Bay and Point Judith.
Harbor Master Mike Stack briefed the council on a U.S. Coast Guard notice proposing removal of a large set of navigation buoys around the Northeast. Stack said the Coast Guard cited electronic navigation and resource constraints as drivers and has opened a public comment window through June 13.
Stack identified several buoys of local concern cited in the notice: buoys marking approaches into Narragansett Bay and a bell buoy near Point Judith that helps mark the Harbor of Refuge and the apex of a center wall used at night. He warned that while some commercial traffic will continue to use electronic navigation, many recreational boaters, small craft operators and even some mariners without electronics rely on visual and sound aids — and suggested broad local opposition.
Councilors and public speakers urged the town to ask residents and businesses to submit comments; Council Vice President Marin and others asked the harbor office and town communications staff to publish guidance and the federal link on the town’s channels. Stack said he would request additional data on how Coast Guard decisions were made and would coordinate a town social media notice and outreach to affected marinas and mooring holders.
No formal resolution was adopted; the council signaled support for active outreach to the Coast Guard and for enabling residents and local businesses to make individual comments before the federal deadline.
