Raimondo Signs Executive Order Announcing 2017 Governor’s Bay Day
Free State Beach Parking, Free Saltwater Fishing, Free RIPTA Bus Service on Route 66 on July 30, 2017
PROVIDENCE – Governor Gina M. Raimondo today visited Roger Wheeler State Beach to sign an Executive Order announcing that the 29th Governor’s Bay Day celebration will take place on Sunday, July 30, 2017.
Governor’s Bay Day will include free parking at all Rhode Island state beaches, as well as fishing in Rhode Island’s saltwaters without a fishing license. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will also waive the roundtrip fare on all service to South County beaches on Route 66 (URI/Galilee). Service to the beach will be provided on a first come, first served basis.
«Governor’s Bay Day is one of my favorite Rhode Island traditions, rooted in the principle of stewardship that compels us to protect our incredible natural resources,» Governor Raimondo said. «There’s no better way to promote the preservation of Narragansett Bay than by encouraging Rhode Islanders to enjoy our beautiful state beaches and parks on July 30th.We’re lucky to live near some of the country’s most beautiful beaches–after all, there’s a reason Rhode Island is the Ocean State!»
«Narragansett Bay is the lifeblood of Rhode Island,» said Janet Coit, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. «It provides for our enjoyment and supports our livelihoods and family traditions. It’s part of us. Decades of effort have gone into its clean up, and we must remain vigilant in our work to protect this precious resource. The Governor’s Bay Day provides the perfect opportunity to highlight the progress we’ve made and to celebrate the vitality of our local waters. I hope everyone takes some time out on the 30th to enjoy our beautiful Bay.»
Parking will be free at all state beaches, which are:
Charlestown Breachway, Charlestown, RI
East Beach, Charlestown, RI
East Matunuck State Beach, South Kingstown, RI
Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly, RI
Roger W. Wheeler State Beach, Narragansett, RI
Salty Brine State Beach, Narragansett, RI
Scarborough State Beaches (North and South), Narragansett, RI
The Governor’s team will share information on this event using the hashtag #GovBayDay on social media.