Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

WESTERLY, R.I. (AP) -- Out-of-state visitors won't have to pay more to enjoy Rhode Island state beaches in Westerly this summer after all.

The state Department of Environmental Management has told town officials they cannot raise state beach parking fees for out-of-staters without hiking the rate for Rhode Islanders too.

That's because the beaches are subject to federal guidelines that say the fee charged to nonresidents cannot exceed twice the amount charged to residents.

The town wanted to hike out-of-state parking fees rise to $18 on weekdays and $20 on weekends and holidays. Residents now pay $6 weekdays and $7 weekends and holidays.

Councilor Caswell Cooke Jr., who proposed the fee hike, told The Sun of Westerly that the state's decision was "ridiculous."

 Tags  Department of Environmental Management Westerly RI

Comments

Rhody5 said:

"the beaches are subject to federal guidelines that say the fee charged to nonresidents cannot exceed twice the amount charged to residents."

How is the state's decision ridiculous if they are merely following federal law? Caswell Cooke needs to get a clue.

Link | June 17, 2009 10:54 AM
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Ed said:

Get ready Westerly, here come the Connecticut summer folks, who think they own Rhode Island and pretty much do.

Link | June 17, 2009 11:12 AM
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