AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- GENERAL POWERS .

Higher landing fees for Block Island passengers

Effective upon passage, the law lets New Shoreham raise its Block Island passenger landing fee from $0.50 to $1 per arrival. The fee covers passengers over age 12 arriving by public or private boat. People receiving free transportation under Rhode Island General Laws § 39-2-5 are exempt. After collection costs, revenue must support passenger health, safety, and welfare and tourism-related activities. Allowed uses include emergency medical services, tourism property purchases, tourism facility construction and upkeep, and a fund addressing tourism growth problems. The town can arrange for boat carriers and marina operators to collect fees, pay them, and protect them against collection-related liability. Carriers can include the fee in passenger fares without approval from state utility regulators. The Town Council must issue rules to carry out these provisions.