§ 42-125-2 - Legislative findings and declaration of public policy.
SECTION 42-125-2
§ 42-125-2 Legislative findings anddeclaration of public policy. – (a) The general assembly finds that greenways:
(1) Provide transportation opportunities for people, animals,plants, and water;
(2) Connect natural, historical, and cultural resources andcommunities;
(3) Are themselves habitat and natural resource areas;
(4) Enhance scenic quality;
(5) Promote economic development and are a tourism asset;
(6) Assist in the management of storm water and floods;
(7) Improve water and air quality;
(8) Foster environmental awareness and are educationallybeneficial;
(9) Offer recreational opportunities, including walking,hiking, jogging, biking and canoeing; and
(10) Contribute to the establishment, re-establishment andmaintenance of larger natural and social systems;
(b) It is, therefore, declared that the development ofsystems of greenways is in the public interest and necessary to securing thepublic health and welfare of the people of the state and important to improvingand maintaining the ecological health and quality of life in Rhode Island.
(c) The general assembly further finds that in urban,suburban and rural areas of the state, greenways are being created andmaintained by individuals, local citizen groups, nonprofit organizations, localand state government, and with the assistance of the National Park Service, andthat these efforts would be strengthened and advanced by:
(1) Formal recognition of the state's interest in greenways.
(2) Regular, formal coordination among state departments andagencies engaged in or assisting with the creation and maintenance of greenways.
(3) Public information about the location of recreational andcultural resources and greenways in the state.
(d) It is, therefore, declared that the development and useof systems of greenways is a policy of the state and that the implementation ofthis policy through coordinated state government activity is the purpose ofthis chapter.