 |
|
7/2/2021
|
Sen. Raptakis introduced legislation that puts Johnson’s Pond in Coventry under the Mill Dam Act
|
 STATE HOUSE – In response to the controversy surrounding Johnson’s Pond in Coventry, Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, East Greenwich, West Greenwich) introduced legislation (2021-S 0986) which would make the Mill Damn Act subject to the provisions of the Freshwater Wetlands Act as it related to Johnson's Pond in the town of Coventry.
“People use the pond for fishing, boating, recreation, it's a part of Coventry. To have some developer come there and try to use this beloved town resource as a money grab is absolutely unacceptable. Soscia Holdings is attempting to blackmail the residents of Coventry by trying to charge them $2,000 to use and enjoy an aspect of our town that has been cherished for the last 100 years. This is a quality of life issue that affects the residents of Coventry and it must be rectified. This bill will do just that and the General Assembly will continue to fight for the best interests of Coventry’s residents,” said Senator Raptakis.
Senator Raptakis noted that more language would be forthcoming to the legislation.
The bill would increase the fines for failing to restore the wetland at Johnson’s Pond to $60 thousand per day.
The legislation has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
|
|