PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The special commission tasked with developing a plan to help tackle the erosion of Rhode Island's beaches met for the first time on Monday.

State Rep. Samuel Azzinaro from Westerly was elected chairman. He also sponsored the legislation that created the commission.

The commission said it will come up with a comprehensive study and cost analysis in order to give future recommendations.

In addition to state lawmakers and scientists, the director of the R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the executive director of the Misquamicut Business Association are also members of the commission.

No public testimony was heard at the meeting, but members discussed who they would like to bring in to speak with the group, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The commission's next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 19. A draft of their plan is due to the general assembly in December.