RI Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Director Janet Coit issued the following statement concerning Governor Raimondo's strategic plan to invest in Rhode Island's system of parks and beaches:
"The Governor's proposal to reinvest in Rhode Island's natural and public assets is a worthy cause for a state that ranks No. 1 for visitors per acre to state parks and beaches. Our parks and recreational facilities attract 9 million visits per year, adding an estimated $310 million to the local economy. What we are proposing is a small investment with a big impact. Over the past 15 years, budget and staffing cuts to the Department of Environmental Management's Parks and Recreation Division, combined with increasing visitor use, longer seasons, aging facilities, and expanded responsibilities have hindered DEM's ability to meet some park users' expectations. Our listening tour has further demonstrated that there is strong support to make an investment that will solidify a sustainable long-term strategy for our parks and beaches. I look forward to continuing discussions with the General Assembly about the need to adequately invest in these special places so that we may preserve them for our children, our grandchildren, and future visitors."
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