Biden-Harris Administration recommends funding of $691,000 for projects in Rhode Island to strengthen Climate-Ready Coasts as part of Investing in America agenda

Today, Vice President Harris announced that the Department of Commerce has recommended $691,000 for projects in Rhode Island to make communities and the economy more resilient to climate change, as part of the Investing in America agenda. Across Rhode Island, two projects will create jobs and boost economic and environmental outcomes for coastal communities. The awards are made under the Biden Administration’s Climate-Ready Coasts initiative funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) with additional funds leveraged from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). 

“Having grown up in Rhode Island, I know how important Narragansett Bay is to Rhode Island’s economy and the community,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Thanks to the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, I am proud to recommend funding for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to develop plans to make three coastal wetland habitats more resilient to the effects of climate change and help preserve the Bay, and to the City of Providence to begin assessing opportunities for future habitat restoration projects.”

Administered by the Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Climate-Ready Coasts initiative is focused on investing in high-impact projects that create climate solutions by storing carbon; build resilience to coastal hazards such as extreme weather events, pollution and marine debris; restore coastal habitats that help wildlife and humans thrive; build the capacity of underserved communities and support community-driven restoration; and provide employment opportunities.

“Addressing risks to coastal ecosystems and the communities that depend on them– for their livelihoods and lifestyles– is critically important for Rhode Island,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “These recommended projects will help partners prepare for current and future risks, such as sea level rise, and serve as an example of the type of thoughtful planning that can guide partners as they work to build climate-ready communities.” 

“This funding will help protect Rhode Island’s coastal communities from climate change, and support efforts to restore and strengthen natural infrastructure projects through my National Coastal Resilience Fund,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act continue to deliver important resources to invest in resiliency and infrastructure projects that will benefit our state for generations.”

“I’m thrilled that two Rhode Island projects are being awarded more than $690,000 to protect and restore our shorelines and important coastal wetland habitats,” said Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01). “These funding awards, made available through the bipartisan infrastructure law and Inflation Reduction Act, are a key part of our state’s fight against climate change and to preserve Rhode Island’s beauty and environment for generations to come.”

“As rising sea levels and extreme weather impact Rhode Island, we must take urgent action to confront the climate crisis and protect our coastline,” said Congressman Seth Magaziner (RI-02). “Thanks to these federal funding investments, Rhode Island will be able to identify opportunities for coastal resilience and protect key coastal wetland habitats in our state.”

These projects are part of NOAA’s nearly $6 billion total investment under BIL and IRA. Recommended projects and funding amounts in Rhode Island include:

• Technical Analysis of the Port of Providence to Determine Shoreline, Habitat Restoration, and Climate Resilience Needs While Engaging Local Community Members Most Impacted by the Port 
  City of Providence: $492,000
  Funding Source: Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants for Underserved Communities
  The City of Providence will conduct an analysis of the Port of Providence’s coastline, which borders the South Providence and Washington Park neighborhoods. The assessment will identify current shoreline conditions and potential opportunities for future habitat restoration. The city will also partner with Groundwork Rhode Island and Save the Bay to conduct outreach and provide educational opportunities for local community members.  
• Improving Coastal Wetland Resilience within the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
  Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management: $199,000
  Funding Source:  National Estuarine Research Reserve System Habitat Protection and Restoration Grants
  This project will address sea level rise impacts by supporting the design and permitting of projects that protect important coastal wetland habitats within the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The development of construction plans, cost estimates, and permit applications for three habitat areas—Coggeshall Marsh, Nag West Marsh, and the T-Wharf Shoreline—will ultimately provide room for the habitat to move upland. The restoration planning will include mitigation measures, such as rerouting coastal roads and removing infrastructure that impedes marsh migration.