2003 -- S 0406 ======LC01970 ======STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2003 ______

J O I N T R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING 2003 TO BE THE "YEAR OF THE WOONASQUATUCKET" IN RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senators Celona, J Montalbano, Ruggerio, Goodwin, and Ciccone

Date Introduced: February 12, 2003

Referred To: Senate Constitutional & Gaming Issues

1 WHEREAS, The Woonasquatucket River, which flows 18 miles from North Smithfield

2 to Upper Narragansett Bay, is the focal point of Rhode Island's urban revitalization efforts; and

3 WHEREAS, The Woonasquatucket River powered the industrial growth of Providence

4 and Rhode Island and features many historic sites and buildings; and

5 WHEREAS, The United States Environmental Protection Agency has designated the

6 Woonasquatucket River as an American Heritage River; and

7 WHEREAS, Restoration of the River has regional implications as it merges with two

8 other rivers to form the headwaters of Narragansett Bay, one of the largest salt water estuaries in

9 the nation; and

10 WHEREAS, It is the goal of the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council to return the

11 water quality of the river to fishable and swimmable by 2020; and

12 WHEREAS, It would be beneficial to improve public access to the river and enhance

13 opportunities for recreational activities; and

14 WHEREAS, Efforts are being made to support economic development opportunities and

15 identify and promote positive growth patterns in the watershed; and

16 WHEREAS, The Woonasquatucket River is now being targeted for cleanup activities and

17 a "greenway"; now, therefore be it

18 RESOLVED, That this General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island and Providence

19 Plantations hereby proclaims 2003 as the "Year of the Woonasquatucket" in Rhode Island. This 1 General Assembly also encourages the citizens of Rhode Island to participate with the

2 Narragansett Bay Commission's Woonasquatucket River Restoration Initiative and the

3 Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council in activities to promote awareness and contribute to

4 the preservation of the Woonasquatucket River; and be it further

5 RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to

6 transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Governor Donald L. Carcieri.

======LC01970 ======

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