NBC Fiscal Accountability and Rate Structure

Whereas the Environment Council of Rhode Island supported passage of the Clean Water Bond Question 2 in the November election; and

Whereas the Environment Council of Rhode Island seeks to ensure the greatest and most efficient use of monies made available by said bond; and

Whereas there is no independent financial watchdog overseeing the Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC) project funded by this bond; and

Whereas great concern has been expressed by members regarding rate increase and rate structure at NBC relating to these projects; and

Whereas the rate structure should encourage conservation, runoff attenuation and fairness to ratepayers and taxpayers alike; and

Whereas the NBC should take into account best available technology in runoff remediation and other areas; and

Whereas maximum feasible public participation in NBC deliberations is desirable;

Now therefore be it resolved the Environment Council of Rhode Island supports the Attorney General's Office initiative to set up an independent financial auditor/watchdog group over the Narragansett Bay Commission portion of these projects; and

Further be it resolved that ECRI encourages the Attorney General's office to take a stronger stand against flattening the NBC rate structure and to oppose the attempt by NBC to flatten their rate structure.