RI council reverses course, allows Matunuck wall

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I.The state Coastal Resources Management Council has reversed an earlier decision and is now allowing South Kingstown to build a retaining wall along Matunuck Beach Road to protect it from beach erosion.

The Providence Journal reports ( http://bit.ly/JROyut) the council voted 9-0 Tuesday night in favor of the wall, a month after rejecting the proposal on a 7-2 vote amid opposition from environmental groups.

Plans call for a sheet-metal wall running 200 feet along the ocean side of Matunuck Beach Road. Town officials say the wall is needed to protect the road and an underground water pipe serving nearly 1,700 customers.

Town Manager Stephen Alfred asked the council to reconsider its first vote. The council's executive director endorsed the request and said the road was in imminent danger from erosion.

Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.providencejournal.com

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RI council reverses course, allows Matunuck wall