Senator Whitehouse pushes for grants for aquatic restoration

Whitehouse Pushing for House to Pass Oceans Bill

By TIM FAULKNER/ecoRI.org News staff 

WARREN — Land along the Warren River that was once farms and open space is now 35 percent covered by condos, big houses and pavement. This development funnels freshwater into area wetlands, altering its habitat and allowing freshwater-loving plant species like phragmites to thrive.

At a press conference March 16 on the East Bay Bike Path, which runs through much of this altered habitat. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., celebrated the Senate's recent passage of the National Endowment for the Oceans. The legislation provides grants for restoring habitats, such as the aforementioned wetlands. It also helps environmental organizations manage fisheries, protect more open space and restore more habitat.

The 41-acre Jacob's Point salt marsh project received a $48,000 federal grant via the Coastal Management Resources Council (CRMC) in 2010 to remove phragmites and restore natural water flow in the marsh.

This money will not only help the environment but also boost the fishing industry and improve public access to the outdoors, Whitehouse said. "We'll be caretakers not just takers," he said.

Save The Bay director Jonathan Stone said helping nature do its work is based on research. "It's really reflects good science and that's what we're all about," he said.

The Senate passed the legislation March 14 as part of the federal transportation bill. The House of Representatives has yet to vote on the bill, but is expected to take action before the funding runs out March 31.