Governor's Bay Day

WHEREAS, Rhode Island's magnificent public beaches are one of our State's most treasured natural resources enjoyed by residents and visitors alike; and

WHEREAS, our State's ample saltwater fishing areas provide a great way for families and friends to experience the thrill of recreational saltwater fishing; and

WHEREAS, the State wishes to encourage Rhode Islanders to explore our public beaches and get active outdoors; and

WHEREAS, Narragansett Bay is a vital natural resource that supports our water-based economy and its critical business sectors; and

WHEREAS, protecting and promoting Narragansett Bay and its surrounding watersheds is a top priority of the State; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island state beaches attract more than 6 million visitors each year, contributing significantly to the State's annual $5.8 billion tourism industry; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island's marine recreational fishing industry contributes $219 million to the State's economy and supports more than 1,900 jobs; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island General Laws § 42-17.1-9.1 permits the Director of the Department of Environmental Management to establish appropriate user fees for state beaches; and

WHEREAS, the Director of Environmental Management, consistent with Rhode Island General Laws § 42-17.1-9.1, may from time to time waive user fees for all state beaches; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island General Laws § 20-2.2-5 permits the Director of the Department of Environmental Management to establish a free-fishing day where a license is not required for recreational saltwater fishing; and

WHEREAS, the Director of the Department of Environmental Management wishes to waive state beach user fees on Bay Day and designate Bay Day a free-fishing day for recreational saltwater fishing. NOW,

THEREFORE, I, GINA M. RAIMONDO, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, do hereby order as follows:

1. The last Sunday in July is declared Governor's Bay Day in the State of Rhode Island.
   
    
2.  All Rhode Island state beaches will be open to the public free of user fees on this day, July 26, 2015.
   
    
3. Recreational saltwater fishing shall be permitted in the marine waters of Rhode Island without possession of a recreational saltwater fishing license on this day, July 26, 2015.

This Executive Order supersedes Executive Order 14-02 and shall take effect immediately upon the date hereof.

So Ordered,

Gina M. Raimondo

Governor