For Release: September 8, 1999

Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Law Enforcement will host a public meeting in Narragansett concerning the use of jet skis on Monday, September 13. This is the first in a series of such meetings DEM will hold throughout the state to solicit public comments about the use of personal water craft.

The meetings are designed to help DEM determine the nature and extent of existing problems and, if appropriate, to help guide the formulation of appropriate regulatory or legislative action to address the problems.

Throughout the boating season, DEM receives numerous complaints about jet skis concerning noise levels, reckless operation of the craft, pollution, and the effects jet skis have on wildlife and boaters. Questions have also been raised concerning the use of jet skis in areas where traditional powerboats do not operate.

The September 13 meeting in Narragansett will be held at 7 p.m. at Narragansett Town Hall, which is located at 25 Fifth Avenue.

Future meetings will be scheduled in the following regions of the state: Aquidneck Island, the East Bay area, Charlestown-Westerly, Coventry-West Greenwich, Warwick-East Greenwich, and in Northern Rhode Island.

For further information, contact DEM's Division of Law Enforcement at 222-2284.