NARRAGANSETT – July 22, 2011 – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has approved a study that inventoried the waters off Rhode Island with an eye toward facilitating development of offshore wind farms.
On Friday, NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco joined Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee at a ceremony at the University of Rhode Island’s Narragansett campus. They signed the ocean Special Area Management Plan drafted by URI researchers and the R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council.
Known as the SAMP, the $9.7 million plan explored the uses of about 1,467 square miles of ocean off Rhode Island. Researchers provided information on marine life, recreation, shipping, topography and more. The CRMC approved the 11-chapter plan in October.
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