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 Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401.&#8202;222.&#8202;4700 | www.&#8202;dem.&#8202;ri.&#8202;gov | @RhodeIslandDEM CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Evan LaCross, 401-799-0100 Friday, May 24, 2024 Dem.&#8202;communications@&#8202;dem.&#8202;ri.&#8202;gov
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          This Message Is From an External Sender
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          This message came from outside your organization.
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        <td style="direction: ltr">&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us-phishalarm-ewt.proofpoint.com/EWT/v1/KKphUJtCzQ!QaGMVaynFAsvanh60UsE1LeFK1VpxxbCesRxgnYfCRYtjNarGCdOigY6j_WXDDfL9DxSC6fr8YmQxVp0HuNOfLOQB8q9GRx-lGN4lPwuO3bZjVklU0u7yH0ItaxOjai8S_Uwgf17MpIO9TW8Xf9y$" style="mso-padding-alt: 7.5px; padding: 7.5px; border-radius: 2px; border: 1.5px solid #666666; "><strong style="font-weight: normal; color: #000000; text-decoration: none; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height: 40px; ">&nbsp;&nbsp;Report&nbsp;Suspicious&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&zwnj; </td>
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This message came from outside your organization.
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        Report&nbsp;Suspicious
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D"><img width="83" height="119" style="width:.8645in;height:1.2395in" id="Picture_x0020_782" src="cid:image001.png@01DAADB6.0E690E30" alt="DEM-logo-small"></span><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:&quot;Impact&quot;,sans-serif;color:#00457A">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:#00457A">235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401.222.4700 |</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:#00457A">| @RhodeIslandDEM</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:#0070C0"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">CONTACT:</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">Evan LaCross, 401-799-0100&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Friday, May 24, 2024<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><a href="mailto:Dem.communications@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:#3366FF">Dem.communications@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:#3366FF">
</span></u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">DEM ANNOUNCES THAT SEASONAL SHELLFISH AREA
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">CLOSURES TAKE EFFECT ON SATURDAY MAY 28<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">PROVIDENCE, RI &#8211;<span style="color:black"> The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces that seasonal shellfish
 area closures will take effect at sunrise on Saturday, May 25, and will remain in place until Tuesday, October 15.&nbsp; Consistent with federal requirements, DEM announces changes in shellfish harvest area closures in local waters every year at this time due to
 potential water quality impacts associated with marinas and mooring fields. The seasonal closure areas are within:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">Bristol Harbor<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">Dutch Harbor Area, Jamestown<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">Fishing Cove, Wickford Harbor<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">Great Salt Pond and Trims Pond, Block Island<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">Potter Cove, Prudence Island<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">Sakonnet Harbor, Little Compton<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:black">In addition, small seasonal marina closures in the southern coastal ponds, Fort Wetherill, and the Kickemuit River in Warren will also go into effect on May
 25.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:black">No changes in shellfish classification<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:black">Shellfish harvest area water quality is also evaluated in May of each year.&nbsp; Bacteria data collected during the prior year is reviewed for compliance with
 national public health water quality standards. 2023 was a wet year with 57.7 inches of rain falling at TF Green Airport. This compares to a long-term average annual rainfall total of 49 inches of rain. Wet weather can convey potentially harmful bacteria from
 the watershed to shellfish growing waters. Despite the wet weather in 2023, bacteria water quality remained good, and all approved and conditionally approved Rhode Island shellfish areas met national FDA standards for safe shellfish harvest. Accordingly, there
 are no downgrades in RI shellfish growing areas in the May 2024 evaluation.&nbsp; <o:p>
</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:black"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">&#8220;From the opening of the Providence River to quahogging for the first time in 75 years in 2021, to the opening of new shellfishing grounds
 in Greenwich Bay in 2022, to the Mount Hope Bay reopening in 2023, the trend toward better water quality in Narragansett Bay is clear,&#8221; said DEM Director Terry Gray. &#8220;The improvements propelling this progress &#8212; replacing and phasing out outmoded cesspools
 that pollute groundwater, upgrading wastewater treatment facilities, and improving collection and treatment of stormwater &#8212; have not come cheaply, but they&#8217;ve been worth every penny because the bay is cleaner and healthier than it&#8217;s been in generations.&#8221;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:black">Rhode Island shellfish are much sought-after seafood because of a long history of delivering a high-quality product. This is achieved by diligent monitoring
 of shellfish harvesting waters, protecting public health with a high level of oversight when conditions indicate a change in water quality either from natural sources such as algae blooms or by the quick response to emergency conditions.
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">DEM, the
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><a href="https://health.ri.gov/programs/detail.php?pgm_id=164"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Rhode Island Department of Health</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">
 (RIDOH), and the </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><a href="http://www.crmc.ri.gov/aquaculture.html"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:#0066FF">RI Coastal Resources Management Council</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">
 (CRMC), along with industry partners, collaborate to ensure that shellfish grown and harvested from Rhode Island waters continues to be a quality safe seafood product to be enjoyed by all consumers. This is achieved by diligent monitoring of shellfish harvesting
 waters to protect public health. This monitoring enables a quick response when conditions indicate a change in water quality due to natural events such as
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/water-resources/research-monitoring/cyanobacteria-blue-green-algae"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:#0066FF">algae
 blooms</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif"> or unusual weather events.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:black"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">For more information on the shellfish harvesting classifications, review the annual notice available at
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/shellfish"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov/shellfish</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">.
 An </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://ridemgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=110a7a4aec914a3492117e9848fe67da__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KCWm2aZGTwmgu8Tojtj1I7Q8vJOMqxMwIOjX3muQ_fulUvXFmZ8QaaFW_kjF0mvWylJc9jBBJDogIiGLipAlzq4ZWZejqVPin711$"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:#0066FF">interactive
 shellfishing map </span> [ridemgis.maps.arcgis.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">is also available.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">For information on emergency and conditional area water quality related shellfish closures, call DEM&#8217;s 24-hour shell fishing hotline at 401-222-2900 or sign up for DEM&#8217;s
 Office of Water Resources' listserv here: </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><a href="mailto:RishellfishOWR-subscribe@listserve.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:#0066FF">RishellfishOWR-subscribe@listserve.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">.
 Follow </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KCWm2aZGTwmgu8Tojtj1I7Q8vJOMqxMwIOjX3muQ_fulUvXFmZ8QaaFW_kjF0mvWylJc9jBBJDogIiGLipAlzq4ZWZejqXN4ORbL$"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DEM on Facebook</span> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">,
 Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri Light&quot;,sans-serif">###<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Cambria&quot;,serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><br>
Evan LaCross, MPA</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Cambria&quot;,serif;color:#1F4E79"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Cambria&quot;,serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Programming Services Officer, Public Affairs<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Cambria&quot;,serif;color:#004678;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Gothic&quot;,sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">235 Promenade Street, Providence RI 02908</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Century Gothic&quot;,sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Gothic&quot;,sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">401-799-0100 (c)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="mailto:evan.lacross@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Gothic&quot;,sans-serif">evan.lacross@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Gothic&quot;,sans-serif;color:gray;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
</span><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Gothic&quot;,sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">(E);
</span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Gothic&quot;,sans-serif;color:#767171">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family:&quot;Century Gothic&quot;,sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
 (W)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Century Gothic&quot;,sans-serif;color:#0096D2;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Follow DEM on
</span></i><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM/?fref=ts__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KCWm2aZGTwmgu8Tojtj1I7Q8vJOMqxMwIOjX3muQ_fulUvXFmZ8QaaFW_kjF0mvWylJc9jBBJDogIiGLipAlzq4ZWZejqYfUW7AA$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Century Gothic&quot;,sans-serif;color:#004678">Facebook</span></i> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Century Gothic&quot;,sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">,<i><span style="color:#0096D2">
</span><span style="color:#00B0F0">on</span> </i></span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.instagram.com/rhodeisland.dem/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KCWm2aZGTwmgu8Tojtj1I7Q8vJOMqxMwIOjX3muQ_fulUvXFmZ8QaaFW_kjF0mvWylJc9jBBJDogIiGLipAlzq4ZWZejqdeCNlYf$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Century Gothic&quot;,sans-serif;color:#002060">Instagram</span></i> [instagram.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Century Gothic&quot;,sans-serif;color:#002060;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">,</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Century Gothic&quot;,sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
<span style="color:#00B0F0">and</span> <i><span style="color:#0096D2">on </span></i></span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://twitter.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KCWm2aZGTwmgu8Tojtj1I7Q8vJOMqxMwIOjX3muQ_fulUvXFmZ8QaaFW_kjF0mvWylJc9jBBJDogIiGLipAlzq4ZWZejqSMgH0_I$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Century Gothic&quot;,sans-serif;color:#004678">Twitter</span></i> [twitter.com]</a></span><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Century Gothic&quot;,sans-serif;color:#0096D2;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">.</span></i><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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