Representative Caprio urges Rhode Island DEM vacate to eviction notices

Galilee -- State Representative David Caprio has urged the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to suspend the eviction notices recently served upon 28 commercial fishing vessels in Galilee.
“These actions are untimely” said Representative Caprio. “The height of the tourist season, which is also the high earning months for the fishermen. Is not the right time to potentially evict commercial fishing boats.”

Caprio also called on DEM to suspend the evictions. “I urge the DEM to suspend any evictions and come to the table to work with the local fleet to implement a payment plan that is realistic considering the difficult economic times and new regulatory hurdles facing the fishermen. In these tough economic times where people are struggling to pay their mortgage and insurance payments, evicting our commercial fishermen sends the wrong message to all Rhode Islanders.”

“Galilee is an economic engine in Rhode Island. We need to take all measures necessary to support our fleet to continue to be viable and to thrive again.”
Representative Caprio reached out to Director Michael Sullivan of DEM and presented his opinion. “The Director received my call and we had a productive conversation.”