Preserving our Environment and Heritage

Warwick has over 39 miles of coastline, which is why Joe is committed to taking steps to combat climate change and protect our shorelines.

  • In 2021, Joe co-sponsored legislation to create the “Ocean State Climate Adaption Fund.” This fund enables cities, towns and the state to apply for grants to fund projects that restore and improve the climate resilience of vulnerable coastal habitats, as well as river and stream floodplains with priority to projects that improve community resilience and public safety

  • Joe also was proud to support the landmark “Act on Climate” legislation, which sets mandatory, enforceable climate emissions reduction goals leading the state to achieve net-zero emissions economy-wide by 2050. This legislation updates the previous 2014 Resilient Rhode Island Act, positioning the state to boldly address climate change and prepare for a global economy that will be shifting to adapt to clean technology.

 

Protecting Rocky Point

Joe has been visiting Rocky Point his entire life - first when it was an Amusement Park and now as a state park. He is committed to preserving the memory of Rocky Point, while also protecting the open space for future generations.

  • Introduced legislation to create a special Rocky Point license plate, with the proceeds going to the Rocky Point Foundation.

  • Helped secure a $1.8 million grant from the State to build a wooden fishing pier at Rocky Point.

  • Secured a $200,000 in funding from DEM to develop a Master Plan for the park.

Modernizing Oakland Beach

Oakland Beach is one of Warwick’s greatest treasures and one that’s frequently utilized by city resident. In 2020, Joe was able to secure a $400,000 grant from the RI Department of Environmental Management. The money will be used by the city of Warwick to construct a splash park at the beach, along with a new boardwalk and enhancements to the playground. The grant will also be used for coastal buffer improvements, low impact bioswales, which are used to remove debris and pollutants from stormwater runoff, and improvements to the entry of the pedestrian plaza.

Preserving the State House Lawn

Joe has continuously fought to prohibit development of the State House Lawn, introducing legislation several times. This comes on the heels of a plan to construct a combined bus hub and business development on State House land along Gaspee Street that would be connected with the Providence Train Station.

“We must never forget that the Rhode Island State House — and by extension its grounds — ultimately belongs to the people. It’s more than symbolic, it’s more than iconic. It’s over 100 years of history, and an important reminder to every legislator and public officials of the importance of what is done here. It is not ever to be bought and sold.” - Representative Joseph J. Solomon Jr.