DEM unveils new beach parking rate proposals

February 20, 2019 4:34 pm

By News Staff

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WESTERLY, R.I. (WLNE) – Rhode Islanders may have to pay increased fees to access state beaches this summer.

In a listening session at Westerly Town Hall Wednesday, the RI DEM provided information about proposed beach parking and camping fees.

“Rhode Islanders are fortunate to have access to an outstanding array of state parks and beaches. However, these places are being loved to death, and we must do more to support and maintain them,” said DEM Director Janet Coit.

Under the DEM’s new plan, beach parking fees would cost $2 more per day for residents (from $6 to $8 for weekdays, from $7 to $9 on weekends) and a season’s parking pass would cost an additional $10 (now $40).

For non-residents, these increases would be doubled. Out of staters would have to pay $16 for weekdays parking and $18 on weekends. Non-resident season passes would be $20 more, costing them $80.

“The increase to beach parking fees that we’re proposing is small — $2 more for Rhode Islanders on weekdays and weekends, and $10 more for a season pass. Reinvesting this new revenue back into the state parks system will pay great dividends for our parks and beaches, which add $315 million to the economy, generate nearly $40 million in state and local taxes, and support nearly 4,000 jobs a year,” said Coit.

Additional sessions will be held in Lincoln and Narragansett later this month.