Providence, RI – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is applauding today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of the Interior that the state will receive several million dollars in new federal funds for restoration and research projects related to Hurricane Sandy. The announcement comes as we approach the one-year anniversary of that devastating storm, which slammed the East Coast on October 29, 2012.
“As we near the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, we must remember the damage wrought by that storm and prepare our coastal communities for future extreme weather,” said Whitehouse. “Hurricane Sandy pulled family homes into the sea, destroyed businesses, and swept away so many memories. This funding will strengthen the natural defenses our coasts provide and make our communities more resilient against future storms – an important priority as climate change continues to cause rising sea levels that put homes and businesses at risk. I thank the Obama Administration for awarding these funds and for its commitment to combating the effects of climate change.”
The projects announced today will help protect coastal ecosystems and communities from future powerful storms. Rhode Island will receive $2.29 million for dam removal and fish passage installation on the Pawcatuck River and Mattatuxet River, which will restore habitat and reduce future flooding during large storms. The state will also share funds with other affected states to help pay for additional projects, including 400 acres of salt marsh restoration in the Sachuest Point and Ninigret National Wildlife Refuges, which will bolster natural coastal barriers and help protect property and infrastructure; and data collection and analysis that will help improve our understanding of and vulnerability to the effects of major storms.
The funding announced today comes on top of $12.66 million that Rhode Island has already received to pay for Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts.
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