[Rimarinefisheries] RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE ADMINISTRATION OF FEDERAL GROUNDFISH DISASTER FUNDS – PHASE TWO PROGRAM FOR RHODE ISLAND

[rimarinefisheries at listserve.ri.gov]

Hello,

New RI Marine Fisheries regulations “RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE ADMINISTRATION OF FEDERAL GROUNDFISH DISASTER FUNDS – PHASE TWO PROGRAM FOR RHODE ISLAND” were filed yesterday, October 26th, 2015, as a result of a public notice period that ran through, and a public hearing held on, August 26, 2015.  The regulations implement the second phase (aka “Bin 2”) of the three-phase federal groundfish disaster assistance program, which provides economic relief to mitigate losses resulting from the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Disaster declared by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce in September 2012.

For this Phase Two (“Bin 2”) Program, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) will disburse $519,656 in federal aid to assist those engaged in the Rhode Island groundfish community who were significantly affected by the groundfish disaster, and who were not covered by the Phase One (“Bin 1”) Program.  While the regulations set forth a number of specific criteria that establish and limit eligibility, the four general categories covered by RI’s Bin 2 program are:


Ø  Captains and crew members who worked aboard one or more of the 43 federally permitted RI-based commercial vessels, whose permit holder qualified for direct aid under Phase One (“Bin 1”) of the federal groundfish disaster assistance program, during any of the four fishing years 2010-2013, and who earned at least $20,000 as a result of such work.



Ø  Holders of RI-based federal for-hire permits who undertook at least 30 groundfish trips during any of the four fishing years 2010-2013.



Ø  Captains and crew who worked aboard one or more of the above-referenced for-hire vessels during the same 2010-2013 period, and who earned at least $20,000 as a result of such work.



Ø  Groundfish sectors with a membership composed of at least 25% of vessels home-ported in RI.


Further details regarding limits on eligibility and additional program information including final regulations can be found online at http://www.dem.ri.gov/groundfish.htm. Those who believe they may be eligible to receive financial assistance under the RI program, must apply to RIDEM.  All applications, submitted during the application period, will be evaluated, and those meeting the eligibility criteria will receive financial assistance.  The application period will commence on November 15, 2015 and close on January 15, 2015.  Application forms can be found online at http://www.dem.ri.gov/groundfish.htm; they are also available at the Galilee Office of the RIDEM Office of Coastal Resources, 301 Great Island Rd., Narragansett, RI 02882.  All questions regarding the program or application process should be directed to Amy MacKown, 401-782-4492, or amy.mackown at dem.ri.gov<mailto:amy.mackown at dem.ri.gov>.

APPLICATION WORKSHOPS
Application Workshops for this program will be held on the following dates in the NESTCo conference room above Superior Trawl. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend ONE of the following workshops. Prior to attendance all applicants must register for the workshop they plan on attending a minimum of one hour prior to the workshop start time by contacting Amy MacKown at 401-782-4492 or amy.mackown at dem.ri.gov<mailto:amy.mackown at dem.ri.gov>.

Wednesday, November 4: 8am or 1pm
Thursday, November 5: 8am or 1pm
Friday, November 6: 8am or 1pm
Saturday, November 7: 9am
Wednesday, November 11: 8am or 1pm
Thursday, November 12: 8am or 1pm
Friday, November 13: 8am or 1pm
Saturday, November 14: 9am

Thank you

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