The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank announced today that Middletown is among eight communities across the state to receive a share of $5.2 million in grants to fund projects aimed at strengthening the towns against the impacts of climate change.
The funding comes from a $16 million bond approved by voters in 2022 that dedicates the funds to municipal resilience projects. The grants being awarded today were selected via a competitive review process, with an emphasis on projects that can improve flood resilience and restore habitat.
“Our cities and towns are all feeling the impacts of more frequent storms and flooding events,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Thanks to this funding from the 2022 Green Bond, we can help our municipalities invest in resilient infrastructure and better adapt to meet the climate change challenge. This is a great example of a program that is working, and that is why I strongly endorse the Green Bond on November’s ballot, which includes additional resilience funding, and urge Rhode Islanders to vote yes on Question 4.”
The recipients of grants are:
– Burrillville – $750,000 – Oakland Pump Station Resiliency Improvements
– Cranston – $240,000 – Furnace Hill Brook: Habitat & Flooding Concerns
– Hopkinton – $461,911 – Strengthening Flood Resilience
– Johnston – $750,000 – Atwood/Hartford Flood Mitigation – Phase 3
– Lincoln – $750,000 – Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements
– Middletown – $750,000 – Green End and Berkeley Culvert Replacement
– Providence – $750,000 – India Point Park Shoreline Improvements Project
– South Kingstown – $750,000 – Saugatucket Culvert Improvements
“As a coastal community, Providence is seeing the deep impacts of climate change. That is why my Administration has prioritized building partnerships and supporting initiatives that create a more sustainable, resilient city,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “The funding from this grant will help protect Providence’s India Point Shoreline, bolstering flood mitigation and resilience against climate change impacts through sustainable, nature-based solutions. Targeted investments like this from the Green Bond help us build a healthier, more resilient Providence for our community and a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. expressed his gratitude to Executive Director William Fazioli and everyone at the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank for the awarding of a $750,000 grant to Johnston. The funds will be used to address chronic flooding problems in Johnston, specifically the constant flooding of Hartford Avenue and Atwood Avenue. This flooding disrupts the flow of traffic and impedes highway access, disconnecting the northern and southern parts of Johnston.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
