Directs the department of environmental management to administer and manage the land and natural resources of the Big River Reservoir.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would officially assign the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) as the agency responsible for overseeing the Big River Reservoir area and its surrounding lands and natural resources. Currently, there may be unclear or divided responsibility for managing this property, and this legislation would clarify that the DEM is in charge.

The Big River Reservoir is a large tract of undeveloped land in Kent County, Rhode Island, originally acquired decades ago with the intention of building a reservoir. That reservoir was never built, leaving a significant area of open land and water resources without a permanent, clearly defined manager. By placing the DEM in charge, the bill establishes a single point of accountability for decisions about how the land, water, wildlife, and other natural features of the area are managed and protected.

This bill would most directly affect state agency operations and how Rhode Island manages one of its largest undeveloped land holdings. It could also impact residents who use the area for recreational activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking, as well as anyone concerned about the environmental health of the region. The DEM already manages state parks, forests, and wildlife areas across Rhode Island, so this would add the Big River area to its existing portfolio of responsibilities. The bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee, where lawmakers will likely review any budget or funding implications.