ABSTRACT
Marine Spatial Planning is an expression of comprehensive spatial planning that identifies use-priority areas and allocates user rights within geographically defined zones. The importance of citizen participation in government plays a central role in shaping the processes of spatial planning in the United States. The report recommended the enactment of a national coastal zone management program to encourage states to develop comprehensive planning and decision-making programs that would integrate across sectors and address the unique development pressures and environmental features of coastal zones. The state of Rhode Island adopted powerful coastal zone management legislation in 1971, a year before the federal Coastal Zone Management Act was adopted. The first Special Area Management Plans, a revitalization plan for Providence Harbor, was adopted by the Coastal Council in 1983. In the subsequent 30 years, six additional Special Area Management Plans have been developed, formally adopted by the Coastal Council, and incorporated into the federally approved state Coastal Zone Management program.
