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DEM outlines Chase Marina plan: piers for commercial fishing, EDA grant pursuit and Dune Brothers lease
Summary
Rhode Island DEM presented a plan to develop Chase Marina with fixed and floating piers for up to 17 commercial vessels, resilient design for 100-year storms, parking agreements with the Turnpike Authority, an estimated $2–4 million cost, and lease negotiations with Dune Brothers under SPC preliminary approval.
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management officials presented details of a proposed redevelopment of the state-owned Chase Marina property in Tiverton, emphasizing maritime economic opportunities and resilience features.
Deputy Director Jason McNamee walked the council through the plan, saying DEM expects to install fixed and floating piers to support up to 17 commercial and party/charter vessels, add a pump-out location and improve land-side parking. "We intend to install new fixed and floating piers... that will support up to 17 commercial fishing vessels," McNamee said, adding that designs and elevations are being prepared to withstand a 100-year storm event and that marina construction is estimated to take about nine to 12 months once funding and permits are secured.
DEM said CRMC and Army Corps permits have been approved and that the Tiverton Harbor Commission provided a letter of support. The agency plans to pursue an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant for marina and building work focused on job creation and workforce stability; DEM described the EDA application as targeting finfish and shellfish harvesters, aquaculturists, a small retail seafood market and a restaurant. McNamee said renovations to the building would be managed and funded by the tenant selected through the existing RFP process: the Dune Brothers, which received preliminary approval to enter lease negotiations from the State Properties Committee on Oct. 14, 2025.
Councilors pressed DEM on parking and planning-board review: DEM noted 18 on-site spaces for marina berth holders and that it is negotiating with the Rhode Island Bridge and Turnpike Authority for additional off-site parking. The building concept was described as modest — an indoor dining area for about 45–50 guests and a roughly 30-seat patio — and DEM confirmed the planning board and harbor commission were engaged during procurement and selection.
DEM said next steps include finalizing an EDA application and issuing an RFP for construction once funding is committed.
