§ 24-12-51.1. Former Jamestown Verrazano Bridge - Public fishing area. (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.

(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.)