Washington, D.C. – Rhode Island’s congressional delegation today applauded Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) Executive Director Grover J. Fugate, who was honored last week with The Susan Snow-Cotter Award for Excellence in Ocean and Coastal Resource Management from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Open to those working on state coastal management programs, national estuarine research reserves, and national marine sanctuaries, the award is presented to individuals who have “initiated innovative practices and brought positive change to the management of ocean or coastal resources at either the state or national level,” according to NOAA.
“Director Fugate has worked tirelessly to ensure the protection of the beautiful coastlines in our Ocean State,” said the delegation. “His enthusiasm for the protection of our coastal areas, and his leadership to ensure the thoughtful, comprehensive management of our state’s coastal resources is a model for other states to follow and makes him a well-deserved recipient for this honor.”
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse recommended Fugate for the award, which recognizes Fugate’s work on the CRMC’s Special Area Management Plans (SAMPs). These are custom-made, region-specific strategies to accommodate the use of coastal and marine resources while protecting and restoring those systems. Under Fugate’s directorship, six SAMPs have been adopted in the Metro Bay region (Cranston, East Providence, Pawtucket and Providence), Greenwich Bay, and Aquidneck Island. Fugate is currently spearheading a new Ocean SAMP that will guide future use of Rhode Island’s offshore areas, including the potential development of an offshore wind farm to supply clean renewable power to Rhode Island homes and businesses.
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