Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 660 - Rivers Council
Overview of Title 660 – Rivers Council
Title 660 of the Rhode Island Code of Regulations (RICR) governs the operations of the Rhode Island Rivers Council (RIRC). This council was created under Rhode Island state law to protect rivers, streams, and watersheds in the state. The regulations in Title 660 provide the rules and procedures by which the Rivers Council carries out its responsibilities, especially related to:
Funding local watershed councils through grants.
Receiving notices of state or local actions that could impact rivers or watersheds.
Overseeing participation of community watershed councils in state environmental programs.
The goal of these regulations is to ensure transparency, fairness, and proper administration of the council’s programs.
Structure of Title 660
The regulations are mainly organized under Part 1 – Watershed Council Grants and Notification of Proposed Actions. Each section specifies how the Rivers Council operates its programs.
1. Grant Funding
The Rivers Council can award grants to local watershed councils or associations that are officially recognized by the Council.
Grants can be used for activities that improve, protect, or restore rivers and watersheds.
The funding is limited to groups formally designated by the Rivers Council.
2. Eligibility
Only designated watershed councils are eligible to receive grants.
A council must meet specific standards set by the Rivers Council to qualify.
This ensures that state funds are used effectively by organizations that have a track record or commitment to watershed protection.
3. Allocation of Funds
The Council can set maximum amounts for each grant.
They can decide how many applications a group may submit.
Funds can be divided into categories (for example, restoration projects, educational programs, or planning studies).
This allows the Council to distribute money strategically and fairly.
4. Application Process
The regulations define how grants are applied for, including required forms and deadlines.
Applications must meet specific completeness and quality standards.
There is a review process where the Council evaluates proposals and decides which projects to fund.
5. Notification of Proposed Actions
The Council must be notified about state or local actions that may affect rivers and watersheds.
Designated watershed councils have the opportunity to review and comment on these actions.
This ensures that local groups can participate in decision-making about river protection.
6. Certification and Enforcement
The regulations include a certification section to confirm that the rules were formally adopted by the Rivers Council.
Once adopted, these rules are legally binding, meaning both the Council and grant applicants must follow them.
Purpose of Title 660
The regulations implement the Rivers Council’s statutory powers to:
Support local watershed councils with guidance and funding.
Ensure local involvement in river and watershed protection.
Provide clear procedures for funding, notification, and oversight.
Protect Rhode Island’s rivers by making sure state programs consider local environmental impacts.
In short, Title 660 is the administrative framework that allows the Rivers Council to manage grants, coordinate local watershed efforts, and ensure state actions are environmentally responsible.
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