Among the freshwater fishing licenses available online are the Rhode Island resident license ($18), non-resident license ($35), tourist three-day license ($16), and two-week, non-resident shellfish license ($11). Individuals may also use the Internet to purchase a trout conservation stamp ($5.50), which is also required of anyone wishing to keep or possess a trout or to fish in a catch-and-release or "fly-fishing only" area. "Freshwater fishing is a time-honored sport that provides hours of peaceful natural recreation for individuals and families," said Governor Donald L. Carcieri. "This is one more opportunity for state government to offer easy and more efficient access to the people it serves. Just as we have begun providing vehicle registration renewals online, we are making progress in other areas of state government as well."
The online service allows individuals to select the license type, enter their personal information, make online payments, and generate the official license document on their printer. Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card charges are accepted through RI.gov's secure payment server.
Prior to launching the new online service, recreational fishing licenses were available only though local vendors, city and town halls, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management's boat registration and licensing office.
"Although recreational fishers can still purchase a license by visiting our office or a local vendor or town hall, we expect many people will prefer the ease and immediacy of online transactions," said Frederick Vincent, Acting Director of the Department of Environmental Management. "The Department also hopes to offer the public the opportunity to purchase hunting licenses on the Internet in the future."
A 2004 fishing license is required for anglers 15 years of age or older wishing to catch freshwater fish. Fishing licenses and the trout conservation stamp can also be obtained at any city or town clerk's office or authorized agent, such as most bait and tackle shops. Anglers over the age of 65 must have a license (which is available free of charge) but do not need a trout stamp.
RI.gov also offers several additional online services, including boat registration renewals and commercial fishing licenses. The freshwater fishing license service is one of many online applications created without taxpayer expense as part of a zero-dollar partnership between the state of Rhode Island and New England Interactive, a subsidiary of eGovernment firm NIC (Nasdaq: EGOV) that manages RI.gov on behalf of the state.
About RI.gov
RI.gov is Rhode Island's home page and official Web site (www.RI.gov), a collaborative effort between the state of Rhode Island and New England Interactive. The RI.gov site and services are developed and maintained by New England Interactive, a wholly owned subsidiary of the eGovernment firm NIC.
Quelle: Business Wire, 26.08.2004
