(a)  Funds in the Ocean State Climate Adaptation and Resilience (OSCAR) fund shall be used solely for adaptation and resilience projects as defined in § 46-23.3-2.

(b)  The OSCAR fund shall not be used for:

(1)  Mitigating any current, planned, or future projects that degrade, fill, or otherwise destroy coastal, estuarine, or riverine habitats;

(2)  Fulfilling any liability for restoration required by any local, state, or federal agency pursuant to an environmental or public health enforcement action;

(3)  With the exception of culverts as specifically described in § 46-23.3-2(1), elevating, repairing, or replacing infrastructure, or constructing new infrastructure, in its existing location that is experiencing climate change impacts as defined in § 46-23.3-2(3);

(4)  Constructing new, or repairing existing shoreline protection structures; provided, however, that existing shoreline protection structures on public parks may be repaired; and/or

(5)  Constructing roads or bridges.

History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 377, § 2, effective July 13, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 378, § 2, effective July 13, 2021.