In the six years since Councilman Seth Yurdin first introduced legislation to the City Council to create the Harbor Management Commission they have developed a harbor management plan and designated eight seasonal mooring spaces, of which seven are available for the 2018 season. Transient mooring sites are also designated in the plan, contingent on DEM funding and landside services, including dinghy storage.
“The Harbor Management Commission was created to protect our waterfront’s natural beauty while expanding opportunities for boating and other activities,” said Councilman Seth Yurdin, Ward 1. “During the past six years, access to the water has been increased, and now with the ability for residents to apply for mooring space, there are even more opportunities to enjoy our unique waterfront. These opportunities not only improve our quality of life, but they make our city a great place to live.”
The Providence Harbor Management Plan and the City of Providence Code of Ordinances Section 11-1.1 established the seasonal mooring field, located on the Seekonk River to the north of the Gano Park Boat Launch and south of the Crook Point Bascule Bridge west of the rowing lanes.
To acquire one of these spaces, you must first apply by visiting the Providence Harbor Management website: http://bit.ly/pvdmoorings. There is an application fee of $25 and, if approved, the applicant will be required to present proof of vessel ownership (State Registration and Title) at the time the mooring space is allocated. Recipients of such mooring spaces are required to supply their own moorings/mooring tackle, and these spaces are for vessels up to 25 feet in length. The applicant must pay the annual mooring fee of $350.00 on or before issuance of a mooring permit, which will be valid for three years. Deadline to apply is March 15, 2018, but it is recommended to do so sooner as spaces are on a first-come first-served basis.
The moorings are the latest in a series of improvements to activate the water around Providence, starting with the Gano Park Boat Launch, which opened in 2014, and including an effort to develop a kayak launch further to the north on the Seekonk River. There are also ongoing efforts to provide additional moorings and services for boaters at 25 India Street (The “Shooters” parcel).
For more information and the mooring space application, please visit http://bit.ly/pvdmoorings.