ik) Determination of the effects of barriers on 

 fisheries and resultant changes, if axij, in navigation openings 

 and slviice gates. 



g. Design studies . Conpletion of the studies described 

 above is required as a part of the design studies for the Lower 

 Bay barriers. 



65. VIEWS OF LOCAL INTERESTS 



At the public hearings, local interests presented their views 

 on the proposed plan of protection (see paragraph $0 and Appendix 

 G) . The views and opinions of the groups and individuals who 

 attended the hearings are summarized as follows: 



a. A majority, including the Governor of Hhode Island, the 

 Providence Hurricane Protection Committee, and the Mayors of 

 Providence and Fall River, expressed general approval of the two- 

 lonit plan of protection, consisting of the Fox Point barrier in 

 the Upper Bay and the East barrier West barrier and Tiverton 

 barrier in the Lower Bay and Sakonnet River. The Governor of 

 Rhode Island also urged continuation of studies of the effects of 

 the barriers on the natural resources and pl^sical conditions 

 within the bay. In regard to financing, he stated that the policy 

 set forth for river flood control projects should be followed, 

 the Federal government assuming costs of all basic constmction 

 and local interests assuming costs of all necessary rights-of-way 

 and land acquisitions, and of maintenance. He also stated that 

 local protection would be necessary wherever barriers by them- 

 selves could not prevent damaging flooding of some areas. A 

 grov^j representing the Town of Bristol requested consideration 



of breakwaters in Bristol Harbor to protect against damaging 

 waves. 



b. Several individuals, while endorsing the two-unit plan 

 of protection, were concerned with the effects of the Lower Bay 

 barriers on fish and wildlife, pollution, navigation, Naval require- 

 ments and the physical characteristics of the bay. Others expressed 

 opposition to the Lower Bay barriers on the grounds that they would 

 have adverse effects on present conditions within the bay or that 

 their ultimate effects on present conditions could not be evaluated 

 for several years, and proposed local protection or otter methods, 

 such as better hurricane warning systems. Federal flood insurance 

 and individual protection measures, as alternatives. 



56 



