WARWICK, RI - After years of hard work and more twists and turns than the old Corkscrew roller coaster, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today joined with Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, U.S. Representative Jim Langevin (D-RI), and local officials to celebrate the preservation of 41 acres of pristine shoreline at Rocky Point.

In 2001, Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, secured the first of two congressional appropriations which totaled $2.25 million in federal funding for the preservation of Rocky Point. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) contributed an additional $1.4 million and the City of Warwick added $800,000, for a total of $4.45 million to purchase the land.

"This is truly a landmark acquisition. We didn't purchase the Tilt-a-Whirl or the Flume, but the greatest attraction of Rocky Point has always been the view of Narragansett Bay. That view, along with the shoreline and these scenic 41 acres, is what we were able to save and preserve for future generations," said Reed. "There were times when this funding could have disappeared because of complications within the bankruptcy process and with the future plans for the remaining acres of the Rocky Point site. But through hard work, cooperation, and the perseverance of all parties at the federal, state, and local level, we were able to save this land and preserve public access to the shore line. The amusement park may be gone, but the view is still thrilling, and I am pleased that we were able to preserve the natural beauty of this place for future generations."

"I am so pleased to be here today with Senator Reed, who was instrumental in securing the federal funds that enabled us to purchase this mile of shoreline property," said Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian. "I am excited to move forward to develop our plan to provide public access to the property so that Rhode Islanders can enjoy walking, fishing, hiking and other activities here. Rocky Point is important from environmental, historical and quality of life standpoints, and it will also stand as a long-lasting reminder that many facets of federal, state and local government worked together to accomplish something remarkable for our city and state."

"As a native of Warwick, this is an exciting day for my city as well as the people of Rhode Island. I was happy to help obtain federal funding for this project through the years. For too long the Rocky Point property has been closed to the public but with the hard work of federal, state and city leaders that is changing today," said Langevin. "The acquisition of these 41 acres for public use is a proud moment in the midst of challenging times. I am delighted that Rhode Islanders will be able to come here now and enjoy the beautiful vistas of our most prized natural resource - Narragansett Bay."

When Rocky Point Amusement Park finally shuttered its doors and its assets were auctioned off in 1996, Rhode Islanders were cut off from a place that had been a part of the state's heritage for a century-and-a-half.

Originally, the acquisition of these 41 acres was dependent on the Rocky Point receiver, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and other shareholders reaching a simultaneous agreement to sell off the remaining 83 acres of Rocky Point property.

Unfortunately, each effort to sell the rest of property came up short. Reed worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to ensure that the funding he originally secured would remain available.

With the most recent extension of funds about to expire last year, Reed urged the SBA to divide the property and allow the City of Warwick to purchase the 41 acres of coastal property and preserve it for open space and public access to the waterfront.

SBA agreed and sold the property to Warwick last December but with the contingency that the sale would not be finalized until there was an agreement to sell the remaining 83 acres.

In early July, a deal to sell the remaining 83 acres to Leach Family Holdings fell apart, meaning that the property acquired by Warwick would be given back to the NOAA and that the $2.25 million Reed secured would revert back to the federal government at the end of the fiscal year (September 30, 2008).

Before the sale to Warwick could be rescinded, however, SBA worked to convince the other preferred shareholders to accept a buyout which SBA proposed to finance with the proceeds from sale to City of Warwick. The shareholders accepted the buyout, and the arrangement was approved by Judge Ronald R. Lagueux in a decision that became final on August 12, 2008.

Last month, Warwick received a $90,000 grant from DEM through its Historic and Passive Recreation Development and Rehabilitation grant program to help with the design, permitting, and development phases of the project. Once the restoration of the land is complete, Rhode Islanders will be able to enjoy a wide-range of recreational activities including fishing, bird watching, hiking, canoeing, and kayaking.