Providence, RI – Rhode Island’s cities and towns working to rebuild in the wake of the March floods will be getting much needed relief from the costs of some repairs. As a result of a provision included by the Senate in the Fiscal Year 2010 Supplemental Appropriations bill, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will reduce the standard 25% non-federal match requirement to 10%. At least 12 Rhode Island cities and towns will benefit from this cost-share reduction under the Emergency Watershed Protection program, which has already helped local communities in flood recovery efforts in the wake of the floods.
In July, the state’s congressional delegation supported legislation which reduced the state’s cost share for FEMA aid to 10% from 25%. Since NRCS generally mirrors the cost share percentages used by FEMA, this legislation also prompted NRCS to adjust its cost-share requirement by the same amount.
“In the aftermath of the March flooding, a host of federal agencies have stepped-up with resources and expertise to help Rhode Island,” said Senator Reed. “After touring the state with me and Senator Whitehouse earlier this year, the NRCS has been working with communities throughout Rhode Island to help complete temporary improvements along the Pawtuxet River near the Laurel Avenue bridge to stabilize two local mill buildings. With this reduction in the local cost-share, NRCS will be better positioned to partner with communities across the state on long-term recovery measures, particularly along the Pawtuxet River.”
“Senator Reed and I worked hard in the Senate to deliver federal relief in the wake of the March floods,” said Senator Whitehouse. “This decision by NRCS is more good news, and will save thousands of dollars for many cities and towns at a time when budgets are tight.”
“As Rhode Island continues to recover from the March floods, the decision by NRCS to mirror the FEMA cost-share rate secured by our delegation will be significant in helping reduce the burden on Rhode Island communities in their already strained budgets,” said Congressman Kennedy.
“This latest reduction in the local match is good news for Rhode Islanders still recovering from our spring floods,” said Congressman Langevin. “This announcement from NRCS is a great example of all levels of government working together to deliver results for our state.”
The twelve Rhode Island cities and town set to benefit from the newly adjusted cost-share include Coventry, Exeter, East Greenwich, Richmond, Hopkinton, West Warwick, Bristol, Tiverton, Smithfield, Providence, Foster, and Pawtucket.
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