This bill amends the title of Chapter 46-23 of the General Laws to change it from "Coastal Resources Management Council" to "Department of Coastal Resources." It also amends various sections of the General Laws to reflect this change in title. Additionally, the bill designates the Department of Coastal Resources as the lead state agency for dredging in tidal waters and outlines its duties and responsibilities in relation to dredging. The bill also recognizes the need for a general maintenance dredging policy and programs for ports, channels, harbors, marinas, and recreational facilities, and states that such programs should continue.

This bill transfers all powers and duties previously held by the coastal resources management council (CRMC) to the department of coastal resources. The department will now have the