State representative announces commission on Rhode Island beach erosion, says beaches are economically vital

State Representative Sam Azanaro told the Wesley Town Council on Oct. 14 that a nine-member special commission created by a House resolution will conduct a statewide study of coastal erosion and propose remedies, and that the panel will meet for the first time next Monday.

Azanaro said the problem is statewide and underscored the economic importance of the coast: "It's like $5,300,000,000 that comes in during the summertime," he said, adding that the seasonal economy supports "about 80,000 jobs." He described the commission's membership as including legislative appointees and designees from the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) and academic experts at the University of Rhode Island.

Councilors pressed Azanaro on whether the commission would treat the state's varied shorelines collectively or regionally; he said DEM and CRMC involvement should ensure recommendations tailored to different types of coast (rocky shores, south-facing coves, barrier beaches). He also said the Army Corps of Engineers had been listed as an ex officio member but that a federal appointment or designee had not yet been confirmed; he said he had contacted federal legislators for help filling the seat.

Azanaro said the commission's charge includes looking at approaches used in other states and that costs can be substantial but may pay off over time: "We're the ocean state. We gotta protect ourselves... We gotta bring back the beaches," he said. He offered to return to the council with updates after the commission convenes.

The council did not take action on the presentation; members requested periodic updates and encouraged staff to coordinate with state planning and zoning work for local shoreline concerns.