Rhode Islanders Ask, Why Can’t Out-of-State Residents Be Prohibited From State Beaches?

Rhode Islanders Ask, Why Can’t Out-of-State Residents Be Prohibited From State Beaches?

On Wednesday, Governor Gina Raimondo announced that two of Rhode Island’s busiest beaches will have parking access further reduced to just 25%. Raimondo said the further restriction was critical to try to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Both Scarborough and Misquamicut beaches are being impacted.

Dozens of Rhode Islanders asked GoLocal why out-of-state residents could not be barred from the Rhode Island beaches to ensure in-state-residents greater access.

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GoLocal asked DEM Communications Director Michael Healy and he says:

"State properties that receive federal funds, such as parks and beaches, are subject to the terms and conditions attached to those funds. For example, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act has conditions that prohibit denying access to the property based upon residency, but does allow for charging nonresidents up to twice the amount charged to residents. 

DEM charges out-of-state residence twice as much as Rhode Islanders for daily, weekend, and season passes. (Click here for breakdown of in-state vs. OOS fees.)"