DEM, LOCAL OFFICIALS CUT RIBBON ON STATE PIER 9 RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT IN NEWPORT

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RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462

For Release:	October 20, 2002
Contact:	Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402 Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

DEM, LOCAL OFFICIALS CUT RIBBON ON STATE PIER 9 RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT IN NEWPORT

Pier Dedicated in Memory of Newport Lobsterman Louis Jagschitz

PROVIDENCE - DEM Director Jan Reitsma today joined legislators, local officials and fishermen to cut the ribbon on the state's $3.6 million reconstruction project at State Pier 9 in Newport. Pier 9 is home to 50 commercial fishing boats, both inshore lobster boats and offshore draggers, and is the only state-owned commercial pier in the Newport area. The reconstructed pier will improve working conditions and services for the fishing fleet and lead to cleaner water around the commercial pier.

Pointing out that the project is important to Rhode Island's fishing industry and the state's economy, DEM Director Jan Reitsma said, "This state-of-the-art pier will well serve the hard-working fishermen who depend on this facility for their livelihood. The improvements, which include a new drainage treatment system, will also result in cleaner stormwater runoff to Newport Harbor from the pier."

During the program the facility was dedicated as Louis Jagschitz State Pier, in memory of the late Newport lobsterman. Legislation renaming State Pier 9 was introduced in last year's session by Representatives Crowley, Shavers, William Murphy and Callahan and approved by the General Assembly in June. Louis Jagschitz, affectionately known as "Louie the Lobsterman," trolled the waters of Narragansett Bay by tending his lobster pots daily until the day he died at age 80.

State Representative Paul Crowley of Newport said, "The rebuilding of the state pier at Washington Street and the dedication of it in honor of a great Newporter, Louis Jagschitz, is an important milestone in the effort to maintain traditional marine industries in Newport and protect open harbor front spaces from development."

"The successful renovation of State Pier 9 demonstrates our commitment to preserving the fishing industry in Newport and recognition of the role that the commercial fishermen play in our economy," said Senator Teresa Paiva Weed, of Newport.

The reconstruction project took two years to complete. The entire bulkhead was replaced with steel sheet piling, and a new pile and timber fender system was installed along the entire 580-foot length of the pier. A year-round water system was installed to replace the pier's seasonal system, and the electrical service to the pier was replaced. The pier's gravel surface, which trapped bait and was difficult to clean, was paved, and a stormwater runoff treatment system was installed. The treatment system uses centrifugal force to separate oil from water, ensuring that stormwater from the pier that discharges into Newport Harbor will be cleaner.

The project was designed by The Maguire Group of Providence, under the oversight of DEM's Division of Planning and Development. Reagan Construction Corporation of Middletown was the construction contractor. Funding for the project came from the Governor's pay-as-you-go Rhode Island Capital fund, which was approved in DEM's capital budget by the General Assembly.

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