Here’s something to look forward to. According to ecoRI News, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has announced plans to build a public waterfront recreation pier at the site of the old Shooters at India Point (a similar project is planned for Rocky Point ).

The Shooters nightclub property is a stage behind the Rocky Point Pier. A call to bid on the design of a wharf will go out soon from DEM. Like Rocky Point, the Shooters pier will have fishing and boating access. Seasonal ferry access to Newport would continue. The wharf would also include offshore moorings, dinghy storage, a fuel depot, and a pump-out station.

The cost of both projects will be funded through a marine infrastructure line item in DEM’s budget. The budget includes $3.6 million between 2018 and 2021. Federal funds will be needed to fund a portion of the Shooters project.

CRMC must also vote to approve a waiver to change the shoreline designation for the Shooters pier.