Section 250-RICR-90-00-26.9 - Evaluation, Award, and NotificationA. Upon close of the application period, RIDEM will conduct an expeditious review of all applications.B. Drawing upon information available from the Department's Office of Boating Registration and Licenses, the Department will validate each application with regard to each applicant's license or permit status, vessel ownership status, and business ownership status.C. Available records and statistics on the commercial fishing fleet will be used to determine minimum eligibility. Available and independently verifiable sources include the Department's commercial license and boat registration database, dockside sales logbooks, VTRs, state logbook reports (eTRIPS or paper logbook), and electronic dealer reports. Information from these same sources will be used to verify commercial fishing activity.D. Pursuant to the Department's review of all applications, those applicants not meeting eligibility criteria, or who submit claims that do not align with the data sources used to establish claims, or who submit incomplete applications, will be issued letters of denial. Those receiving letters of denial may file an appeal to the finding no later than fifteen (15) calendar days following receipt of the letter, in accordance with sect; 26.10 of this Part.E. The Department will issue letters of eligibility to all qualifying applicants. Each letter will include the individual amount and type of gear awarded based on the process described above.250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-90-00-26.9
Adopted effective 7/15/2023