The Harbor Commission and the Commission of Dams and Reservoirs existed as independent agencies until 1935 when all related commissions came under the Department of Public Works and one division became known as Harbors and Rivers. By 1965, this division was under the Department of Natural Resources and by 1971 Harbors and Rivers became the division of Coastal Resources. By October 1, 1977, all related divisions, including Coastal Resources, were administered under the Department of Environmental Management.
From the guide to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Coastal Resources records, Department of Environmental Management Division of Coastal Resources (Rhode Island) records, 1883-1976, (Rhode Island State Archives)
The Commission of Dams and Reservoirs was created in 1882 for the purpose of inventorying and monitoring dams and reservoirs within the state. The Commission operated as an independent agency until 1935 when became part of the Department of Public Works. In 1965 the department was renamed as the Department of Natural Resources and later renamed again as the Department of Environmental Management in 1971.
From the guide to the Department of Environmental Management Division of Compliance and Inspection records, 1880-1982, (Rhode Island State Archives)
