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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM AND CITY OF NEWPORT SHOWCASE FIRST PHASE OF IMPROVEMENTS AT VAN ZANDT PUBLIC FISHING PIER Located on Washington Street, Van Zandt Pier is Newport's only free public fishing pier. The historic wooden structure was built prior to 1929 and has survived a number of hurricanes. Van Zandt Pier continues to be a place used by Newport residents and visitors alike to enjoy passive recreation activities such as reading, painting, and viewing the western side of Narragansett Bay, and for active recreation including fishing and swimming. The pier is located within walking distance to housing and the public bus line. Under city ordinance, boat tie-ups are not allowed at the facility. The goal of the reconstruction project is to create a handicap-accessible fishing pier compliant with ADA-guidelines, while keeping the historic features of the facility. The contractor for the project, Atlantic Marine Construction of Westerly, began work on the pier late this summer. Reaffirming his commitment to improving public access to Narragansett Bay, DEM Director Sullivan said the Van Zandt Pier improvement program is the first project in his "Pier-A-Year" initiative, which focuses on expanding shoreline and fishing access for Rhode Islanders across the state. "We are moving forward in our efforts to bring a new fishing pier each year so that Rhode Islanders from throughout the state, and particularly those in urban areas, will have an opportunity to enjoy access to the beauty and the bounty of Narragansett Bay." Funding for the first phase of the reconstruction project included a $150,000 state open space recreation grant for historic and passive parks awarded in 2006, along with a 10 percent local match from the City of Newport. The funds have been used to stabilize the base supports of the entire pier, replace the entire western wooden end of the pier, and repair the concrete platform. A staunch supporter of the renovation project at Van Zandt Pier, Newport Senator M. Teresa Paiva Weed encouraged city officials to apply for the DEM grant. "The Van Zandt pier helps to provide access to Narragansett Bay for fishermen, Newport families and visitors alike. It is a great place to fish, swim or simply enjoy a spectacular view. The state's investment in restoring the pier will help to keep the Rhode Island coastline open and accessible to all, and I am pleased to have been a part of that effort," said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Paiva Weed (D - Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown). The City of Newport will need to apply for an additional grant from DEM for the second phase of the project, which will include replacement of the pier's wooden decking, rails, benches, safety ladders, and signage. ADA requirements for fishing piers call for the city to build an accessible ramp and make the railings low enough to allow for fishing from a wheelchair. All CRMC permitting, City Council approvals, as well as matching funds from the city are in place. City Councilor Charles Y. Duncan said, "This pier is important to all Newport residents and visitors since it is the only public pier that does not allow boats to tie up. Everyday you see people fishing, or just sitting and watching the sunset. Many of the local children learned to swim off this pier or were taught how to fish and the pier is becoming an important avenue to keeping children connected to nature instead of the video or TV. It will be exciting to be able to join folks in wheelchairs with their families as they come to fish once the pier's ramp is completed. The City thanks the state legislature and voters of Newport who helped pass the state open space bond by an almost 80% margin! The City looks forward to working with the DEM as we apply for the next round of grants and get this long awaited project finally completed." "City documents show that this pier has been a viable part of the community before 1929," said Susan Cooper, Newport's Director of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. "It has survived a number of hurricanes over the years but was finally succumbing to the tides of age and hostile Bay environment before this DEM "Historic / Passive Park" grant was awarded in 2006. The state really benefits by recognizing and upgrading these public recreational spaces open to all who visit." At the event, DEM Director W. Michael Sullivan, Ph.D. announced that DEM is accepting applications for the next round of passive and historic park development/recreation grants starting today. The grants, from the 2004 Open Space bond fund, will provide up to 90 percent funding to municipalities to acquire, develop, or renovate passive and/or historic parks, with a maximum grant award of $100,000. Up to $1.2 million is available during this round of funding. The application period for grant submissions runs from October 22 to December 14. The grant awards will be announced in February. All grant applications will be reviewed and scored by the Rhode Island Recreation Resources Review Committee according to the rules and regulations for the program. The highest scoring grant applications will be forwarded to the DEM director for review and approval. Information is available on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Topics" then "Grants/Funding", then "P&D Local Grants". For additional information, contact Joseph Dias, Acting Chief of the Division of Planning and Development at 222-2776 ext. 4301, or via e-mail at joe.dias@dem.ri.gov. -30- |
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