S.2142

Rhode Island S2142 allows the Department of Environmental Management to acquire foot paths by eminent domain for public access to water bodies.

Rhode Island S2142 amends the state's eminent domain laws to allow the Department of Environmental Management to acquire established foot paths by eminent domain. This acquisition aims to provide the public with reasonable access to streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds for environmental stewardship, recreational use, and public benefit. The bill specifies that the department must give due deference to any parcel of land currently used for agricultural purposes and avoid acquiring any interest in such land if it would materially interfere with agricultural use. The act takes effect upon passage.