Beach measure in RI budget would slash fees

June 8, 2016 6:15 pm

By: Rebecca Turco

Email: rturco@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Beach-goers in Rhode Island may have more cash to burn, as state lawmakers go over the budget, which includes slashing prices of all season passes in half.

Here is the breakdown: residents would pay $30, non-residents would pay $60, senior residents (65 and older) would pay $15 and senior non-residents would pay $60.

For one-time admission on weekdays, residents would pay $6 instead of %10, non-residents would pay $12 instead of $20, senior residents would pay $3 instead of $5 and senior non-residents would pay $6 instead of $10.

For one-time admission on weekends, residents would pay $7 instead of $14, non-residents would pay $14 instead of $28, senior residents would pay $4 instead of $7 and senior non-residents would pay $6 instead of $10.

Chelsey Largy of Warwick says she would buy a beach pass for the first time if the rate was reduced. She usually just parks down the street and walks onto the beach to save money. "60 Dollars is just way too much,” Largy said. “If you’ve lived here all your life, like me for instance, I think 30 dollars is…reasonable."

Political Analyst Dr. Joe Cammarano argues it’s also a win-win for lawmakers, calling it “a no-brainer.” The lower costs could make locals happier and attract more tourists, which would give legislators some good PR in an election year. "Anyone who votes against it is probably voting against it for procedural reasons and it makes no sense for them to do that," he explained.

If this measure passes, it is not retroactive, according to officials. So folks who buy their beach pass before July 1 would not get the difference back.

The House is set to vote on the full budget next Wednesday.