The Rhode Island Green Infrastructure Coalition will host its seventh annual Stormwater Innovation Expo on Oct. 8, bringing together environmental professionals and community leaders to address climate resilience challenges facing the Ocean State.
The day-long event, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Roger Williams Park Casino, will focus on the theme “Climate Resilience in Rhode Island – We’ve Got This!” in response to the state’s development of “Resilient Rhody 2025,” Rhode Island’s first statewide coastal resilience plan.
“We are living in challenging times for our environment and the funding that supports it,” said Sara Churgin of the Rhode Island Green Infrastructure Coalition leadership team. “We are excited to bring together community leaders, stormwater professionals, and vital environment organizations to build regional collaboration and plan for our state’s future, together.”
The expo will feature a keynote address by Kara Runsten, Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness director for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A panel discussion on water quantity versus water quality concerns will include Nora Barré, executive director of the Downtown Providence Parks Network; Kimberly Korioth, chief resilience officer for the state of Rhode Island; Alisa Richardson, administrator of the Environmental Division at the Rhode Island Department of Transportation; and Aly Sparks, deputy public works director and town engineer for North Kingstown.
Stormwater runoff carries pollutants including fertilizer, animal waste, automotive fluids, de-icing chemicals and litter directly into watersheds. Green infrastructure slows this polluted runoff to allow natural absorption rather than directing it into traditional storm drain systems.
General admission tickets cost $40 and are available through Oct. 6 at 2025expo.eventbrite.com. The fee includes access to all sessions, lunch and light breakfast. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is covering admission costs for state and municipal employees, who should select the “State & Municipal Staff” option when registering.
The Rhode Island Green Infrastructure Coalition represents more than 50 nonprofits, businesses and government agencies focused on managing stormwater through natural methods. The organization is partnering with the Stormwater Innovation Center to host the event.
Additional information is available at greeninfrastructureri.org/stormwater-expo.php. Media inquiries should be directed to info@greeninfrastructureri.org.
