Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 650 - Coastal Resources Management Council › Chapter 20 - Coastal Management Program › Subchapter 00 - N/A › Part 1 - Red Book › Section 650-RICR-20-00-1.5 - Public and Governmental Participation

Current through June 14, 2024
A. Policies and
				  regulations
1. Public participation is
				  necessary in all phases of program development and implementation. Therefore,
				  it shall be the policy of the Council to promote the participation of federal,
				  state, and local governmental bodies, public and private organizations, and
				  private citizens in the preparation of its plans, programs, policies and
				  regulations.
2. The Council shall
				  cooperate with other governmental agencies in all matters of mutual interest.
				  The Council through its adopted procedures shall ensure a continuous flow of
				  information among agencies in the development of its plans and studies before
				  these are completed and adopted. The Council shall also solicit and consider
				  the opinion of other agencies on any matter before the Council which
				  significantly affects those agencies.
3. The Council shall work with local
				  officials from Rhode Island's municipalities to facilitate the coordination of
				  the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Program and local
				  plans.
4. The Council finds that an
				  open, traceable decision-making process is essential for an effective coastal
				  management program, and where required should be done in an open transparent
				  public forum. The Council will therefore follow the procedures set forth in the
				  Coastal Resources Management Program, including applicable Special Area
				  Management Plans, for all permit applications which, by regulation come before
				  it.
5. The Council finds that full
				  participation by interested and/or affected groups is essential in the
				  development of Council policies and regulations.
The Council finds it can best foster such participation by
					 adopting the following policies:
a.
				  The Council will provide opportunities for public and governmental input in the
				  development of its policies and regulations.
(1) The Council and its staff will consult
				  with experts, professionals and interest groups in the preparation of technical
				  reports upon which policies are based.
(2) Plans and reports upon which policies and
				  regulations are based shall be made available to the public.
(3) The Council shall form advisory
				  committees and hold meetings and workshops to formulate and discuss proposed
				  policies as necessary.
b. The adoption of all policies and
				  regulations by the Council will follow the procedures set forth in the
				  Administrative Procedures Act (R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35 ).
6. The Council shall continue to
				  sponsor public education programs, as funding allows. Such programs shall
				  include:
a. Publication and widespread
				  distribution of technical reports;
b. Exhibits;
c. Media releases;
d. Quarterly newsletters (Coastal
				  Features);
e. A speaker's
				  bureau;
f. Other activities that
				  will foster public awareness; and g. Special programs for senior citizens on
				  coastal awareness, Rhode Island and offshore oil, and seafood consumer
				  education.
7. The
				  Council shall continue to sponsor educational activities for school age
				  children as funding allows. Such activities will include the preparation and
				  dissemination of educational material, supplying speakers to school groups and
				  sponsoring an annual essay contest.