Legislation
clears way for millions in funding for hurricane and storm risk reduction
Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) voted in favor of the Water
Resources and Development Act of 2020, legislation that supports water
infrastructure improvements at ports, harbors and inland waterways, as well as
flood control and ecosystem restoration efforts. The legislation passed the
House by a voice vote.
“The
House has once again come together to pass a Water Resources and Development
Act that will support water resource infrastructure across the nation,”
said Langevin.
“I’m pleased that key water projects in Rhode Island’s Second District have been taken into account. Important provisions within this legislation will help preserve natural resources, protect families and businesses, and promote prosperity and economic growth within our state by investing directly in our waterways.”
“I’m pleased that key water projects in Rhode Island’s Second District have been taken into account. Important provisions within this legislation will help preserve natural resources, protect families and businesses, and promote prosperity and economic growth within our state by investing directly in our waterways.”
For
Rhode Island, the legislation authorizes $37,848,000 in federal funding in
support of hurricane and storm risk reduction as part of the Pawcatuck River
Coastal Storm Risk Management Project.
The focus area covers approximately 28 miles of coastline in Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown, and Narragansett, which is near residential and commercial properties vulnerable to flooding.
The focus area covers approximately 28 miles of coastline in Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown, and Narragansett, which is near residential and commercial properties vulnerable to flooding.
“With climate change causing extreme weather, inland and coastal flooding, and sea level rise, Rhode Islanders already have seen places we love eroded, flooded, degraded, and lost,” said Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Director Janet Coit.
“DEM is grateful for Congressman Langevin’s tenacity in fighting for funding to make our state and coastal communities more resilient.”
Following
a request from the Town of Westerly, the legislation also deauthorizes the
anchorage portion of the Federal Navigation Project in Watch Hill Cove. The
change will allow Westerly residents to have preference when mooring in Watch
Hill and supports the Town’s Harbor Management Plan.
Across
the nation, the bill clears way for 34 construction projects with final Chief’s
Reports and 35 feasibility studies within the Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil
Works mission areas which include navigation, flood damage reduction, hurricane
and storm damage reduction, shoreline protection, and ecosystem restoration.
