§ 45-62-1 - Legislative findings. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 45-62-1

   § 45-62-1  Legislative findings. – The general assembly recognizes and declares that:

   (1) Many man-made dams in Rhode Island provide importantvalues to local communities, including the protection of public safety andprivate property; the protection of drinking water supplies, recreationalopportunities, and electrical supplies; the preservation and enhancement ofscenic beauty; and the conservation of fish and wildlife resources.

   (2) In order to protect the values that dams provide, ormitigate the risk posed by dams that no longer serve any useful purpose, damsmust be properly operated, maintained, repaired and/or removed.

   (3) The costs of properly operating, maintaining, repairingand/or removing dams are often significant and recurring in nature. In order tomeet these costs, local communities should be able to form dam managementdistricts as one of several financial tools available to them.