Needs to fight against the corporate takeover of the state's working waterfront

Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos argues that Rhode Island needs to push back against corporate consolidation of its “working waterfront” and protect marinas used by fishers. She says billion-dollar firms are buying boat yards and concentrating slips, making it harder for commercial and recreational fishermen to find affordable dock space. Scott Travers of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association warned that rising marina fees are pricing out workers and middle-class families. Matos cites ownership shifts including Dallas-based Safe Harbor buying 60% of Warwick slips and 80% of Portsmouth slips, and then being acquired in 2025 by Blackstone. She also notes that after Safe Harbor bought Wharf Marina in Warwick, the price per square foot rose nearly 40%.