Update from last night’s meeting

November 15, 2023

Dear Save Seapowet Supporter,

Last night, the CRMC Council voted to send the Bowen application to a Hearing Officer due to “substantive objections”. This is good news. Sustained stakeholder input is finally getting through to CRMC. Jeff Willis, Executive Director of the CRMC, recommended the application go to a Hearing Officer because he believes there could be conflicts with recreational use of the area. You can watch Mr. Willis’ remarks here.

The Hearing Officer process is an impartial, quasi-judicial procedure to collect information from the public and the applicants under oath. The facts gathered by the hearing officer will allow him to evaluate the significant recreational use of the proposed location that so many of you have communicated through your public comment letters. The Hearing Officer will make a recommendation to the Council for their vote on the application.

A big thank you to State Representative John Edwards and State Senator Lou DiPalma who have been engaged in protecting the Seapowet Marsh area. Representative Edwards attended last night’s meeting to advocate for denying the application. State Senator Lou DiPalma submitted a letter requesting denial. The Town of Tiverton has been actively advocating to keep public access at Seapowet and Town Councilor Jay P. Edwards submitted his own letter asking for denial. Scroll through this link to read their letters.

We appreciate the representatives from the Tiverton Harbor Commission, large stakeholder groups including Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association, and Rhode Island Canoe and Kayak Association who attended last night’s meeting. The room was packed with individuals from our community ready to testify about the need to protect Seapowet’s waters.

We will update you when there is more information about the Hearing Officer’s process and timing. In the meantime, enjoy a restful and enjoyable Thanksgiving break with family and friends.

Thank you for your support of this important cause.

Save Seapowet!