For Release: July 17, 1997

Contact: Robert Mendoza, EPA, 617-565-3597

Stephanie Powell, DEM, 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - The RI Department of Environmental Management's Office of Water Resources and the US Environmental Protection Agency/New England are inviting Rhode Islanders to a public meeting to discuss and identify critical issues affecting Rhode Island's surface waters, groundwater, and wetlands on July 30. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at DEM headquarters, 235 Promenade Street, Providence.

"This is an excellent opportunity for the public to tell DEM and EPA how federal and state dollars should be directed to the most pressing environmental problems in the State," said Robert Mendoza, EPA's Rhode Island director.

"The process, a Performance Partnership Agreement, is an example of the inclusive approach both EPA and DEM are taking to solve environmental issues and protect our natural resources together," said Frederick Vincent, acting director of DEM. "Rhode Islanders appreciate the quality of Rhode Island's diverse water resources, and have many good ideas on the best ways of protecting it in a manner that is fair to all. We want to hear from them."

The Performance Partnership Agreement is a new method being embraced by the agencies where input from all interested parties is used to help set priorities and allocate resources for the coming year.

The meeting will begin with a brief overview of Rhode Island's water resource condition, followed by a facilitated discussion. During the discussion, people will be called upon to share their expertise, experience, and perspective to help shape DEM's Office of Water Resources work plan for the coming year.

Please call Demetra Moschetti of DEM at 277-4700 ext. 7214 if you plan to attend.