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Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401. 222. 4700 | www. dem. ri. gov | @RhodeIslandDEM CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Evan LaCross, 401-799-0100 Monday, Dec. 4, 2023 Evan. LaCross@ dem. ri. gov
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Impact",sans-serif;color:#00457A">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#00457A">235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401.222.4700 |</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#00457A">| @RhodeIslandDEM</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">CONTACT:</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Evan LaCross, 401-799-0100 Monday, Dec. 4, 2023<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="mailto:Evan.LaCross@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Evan.LaCross@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">
</span></u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">DEM ANNOUNCES COMPREHENSIVE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">PROGRAM FOR RHODE ISLAND URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="399" height="299" style="width:4.1562in;height:3.1145in" src="cid:image003.jpg@01DA26A0.BB5C1D50" align="left" hspace="12" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1"><![endif]><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">PROVIDENCE,
RI –<span style="color:black"> To provide better access to the benefits trees provide, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is partnering with the
</span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://gicinc.org/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!IgidNdpYKe16o-Et2EPNzARwQnHUhdezy1Bbxinqah21qGTIB0c1l5Vhp2-diG1RPW4RhTI1XkKE0Me2czXMxRBdcDhAmxyGhPhb$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Green Infrastructure Center (GIC)</span> [gicinc.org]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">
to offer a new program to support urban forest planning and planting in Rhode Island cities and towns.
<a name="_Hlk152160174">The </a></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk152160174"></span><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/agriculture-and-forest-environment/forest-environment/urban-and-community"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk152160174"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Urban
Forests for Rhode Island Technical Assistance Program</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk152160174"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk152160174"></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">will support tree canopy mapping, planning, management, planting, code and ordinance development, master plans, policy development, and community engagement and education.
This comprehensive program is funded by the </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/inflation-reduction-act-guidebook/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!IgidNdpYKe16o-Et2EPNzARwQnHUhdezy1Bbxinqah21qGTIB0c1l5Vhp2-diG1RPW4RhTI1XkKE0Me2czXMxRBdcDhAmxgC5UQr$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Inflation
Reduction Act (IRA)</span> [whitehouse.gov]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> through the
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.fs.usda.gov/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!IgidNdpYKe16o-Et2EPNzARwQnHUhdezy1Bbxinqah21qGTIB0c1l5Vhp2-diG1RPW4RhTI1XkKE0Me2czXMxRBdcDhAm-m-aN0B$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">USDA Forest Service</span> [fs.usda.gov]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">
and Congressionally Directed Spending from 2023. DEM’s </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/agriculture-and-forest-environment"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Division
of Agriculture and Forest Environment (DAFE)</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> received $1.2 million from IRA secured by U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and an additional $300,000
from Congressionally Directed Spending to support a total of eight municipalities over the next five years.
<br>
<br>
</span><b><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">In August, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva, and students from the Emma G. Whiteknact Elementary School met at
East Providence’s Hull Street Park to celebrate $300,000 in federal funding to expand DEM’s urban tree cover initiatives in communities across Rhode Island.</span></i></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><br>
<br>
Rhode Island’s urban and community forests play a critical role in enhancing public health and resilience for both people and wildlife. Urban trees reduce summer heat, absorb air pollutants to reduce respiratory illness, while also mitigating flooding, improving
drinking water and providing essential wildlife habitat and food. Not all Rhode Islanders have equal access to trees and the benefits trees provide – underserved neighborhoods and
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/initiatives/environmental-justice"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">environmental justice
communities</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> often have significantly less tree canopy than wealthier, less diverse neighborhoods. This program will help address these disparities through a
competitive grant process that prioritizes applicants with the most potential for improving tree equity.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">“As climate change impacts every state, including Rhode Island, it’s increasingly important to find innovative, environmentally-friendly
ways to help keep neighborhoods healthier and cooler,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. “This federal funding will help a number of local municipalities plant more trees to improve air quality, create more green space, prevent
erosion, and enhance public health.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">“Rhode Island has long recognized the potential of climate-smart infrastructure in urban communities, and DEM’s and GIC’s new urban
canopy program will help turn this potential into progress. I’m pleased to have helped secure federal funding to boost the state’s urban tree cover and make our cities healthier and more sustainable,” said Senator Whitehouse.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">“Trees are critical urban infrastructure that are essential to public health and well-being. Thanks to the Senators’ work in obtaining key
Inflation Reduction Act funding, our Administration will be able to prioritize human-centered investment our communities,” said Governor Dan McKee.<span style="color:black"><br>
<br>
“Rhode Island is a leader in urban forestry, aiming to unlock the full potential for urban tree canopies to slow climate change, reduce heat islands, manage stormwater runoff, and improve public health,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “The Urban Forests for
Rhode Island Technical Assistance Program and our continued partnership with GIC will advance the goals of tree equity and environmental justice by empowering communities to manage and plan their urban forests for the greatest benefits for their residents.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">“Tree equity means that everyone can have equal access to tree benefits such as cleaner air and water, natural beauty and safer
communities, regardless of the race, income, age or social makeup of the community,” said GIC Executive Director</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Karen Firehock.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">The Urban Forests for Rhode Island Technical Assistance Program will help expand and deepen DAFE’s
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/agriculture-and-forest-environment/forest-environment/urban-forestry-grants"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Urban
and Community Forestry Grant Program</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">, which works to support communities in developing sustainable urban forestry programs that enhance the environmental, economic,
social, and health benefits that healthy trees and forests provide. Rhode Island’s communities can lose tree cover to storms, old age, development pressure, invasive pests and other impacts. Without actively replanting new trees, RI’s urban communities will
become hotter in the summer and less livable. GIC has successfully worked with urban communities throughout the state, providing technical assistance to Bristol, East Providence and Barrington. The City of East Providence, which received a $750,000 IRA award,
will be using the data to help implement the program. <br>
<br>
“The GIC has created an impressive set of tree canopy analysis maps for the City of East Providence,” said Johanna Walczak, Planner for the City of East Providence. “These maps, as well as policy review and recommendations, provide valuable data to the City
that will help us to strategically plan where and how to grow our tree canopy cover and better manage our urban forest. As we implement our USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forest IRA Grant over the next five years, the tree canopy analysis maps will
help us identify priority locations for planting 1,500 new trees throughout the city, with emphasis on disadvantaged neighborhoods with low Tree Equity Scores.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Localities awarded support through IRA will receive comprehensive technical assistance while those projects supported by Congressionally Directed Spending
will be slightly smaller in scope. To be eligible for the IRA-funded program, applicants must represent the following:
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ol style="margin-top:0in" start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">A municipality or federally-recognized tribe within a
</span><span style="color:windowtext"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.rigis.org/datasets/urban-areas/explore?location=41.544553*2C-71.509230*2C10.88__;JSU!!KKphUJtCzQ!IgidNdpYKe16o-Et2EPNzARwQnHUhdezy1Bbxinqah21qGTIB0c1l5Vhp2-diG1RPW4RhTI1XkKE0Me2czXMxRBdcDhAm7OwLqmD$"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">US Census urban area</span> [rigis.org]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
in Rhode Island; and <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">The locality must also contain community census tracts that are classified by the federal government as "disadvantaged." Explore eligible disadvantaged communities with the
</span><span style="color:windowtext"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/*3/33.47/-97.5__;Iw!!KKphUJtCzQ!IgidNdpYKe16o-Et2EPNzARwQnHUhdezy1Bbxinqah21qGTIB0c1l5Vhp2-diG1RPW4RhTI1XkKE0Me2czXMxRBdcDhAm6ii3Ae_$"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Climate and Environmental Justice Screening Tool</span> [screeningtool.geoplatform.gov]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">;
and <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">If selected for support, the municipality or federally recognized tribe will be required to submit a letter, signed by an authorized official, committing the locality to
actively participate in the project. All applicants meeting criteria one and two are eligible to receive support through Congressionally Directed Spending.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply no later than<b> Jan. 18, 2024 by 5 PM EST.
</b>An<b> </b>authorized municipal staff member or member of tribal government must complete the
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://arcg.is/vW8vy__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!IgidNdpYKe16o-Et2EPNzARwQnHUhdezy1Bbxinqah21qGTIB0c1l5Vhp2-diG1RPW4RhTI1XkKE0Me2czXMxRBdcDhAm4QrSjKf$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">online application</span> [arcg.is]</a></span><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">.
</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Awards will be announced on
<b>Feb. 1, 2024. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">DEM and GIC are hosting an informational webinar on Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 1-2 PM. To register for the webinar, please
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4102781894912621660__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!IgidNdpYKe16o-Et2EPNzARwQnHUhdezy1Bbxinqah21qGTIB0c1l5Vhp2-diG1RPW4RhTI1XkKE0Me2czXMxRBdcDhAm9yKzCfL$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">click this link</span> [attendee.gotowebinar.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">.
The session will be recorded and available for viewing. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Additional information can be found on </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/agriculture-and-forest-environment/forest-environment/urban-and-community"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DEM’s
Urban and Community Forestry webpage</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">. For more information, please contact Molly Henry at (401)-312-7857 or email her at
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="mailto:mhenry@gicinc.org"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">mhenry@gicinc.org</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Founded in 2006, GIC is a nonprofit organization that assists communities in developing strategies for protecting and conserving their natural and cultural
assets including tree cover, waterways, wetlands and bays, agricultural soils and parks and other open spaces to ensure community health and resilience through research, land-use planning, mapping and ecological restoration. For more information, visit </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.gicinc.org/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!O_6drs4g0nWdx-88VhltS7mYOX4Lys8N575ytFHHzLMMvD-9qxsFgwjCQm4bgD3KqKJMkERBdleVhm1wPHhM4ss$" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.gicinc.org</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">.
Follow </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!IgidNdpYKe16o-Et2EPNzARwQnHUhdezy1Bbxinqah21qGTIB0c1l5Vhp2-diG1RPW4RhTI1XkKE0Me2czXMxRBdcDhAm5G1cfQ0$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DEM on Facebook</span> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">,
Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">###<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><br>
Evan LaCross, MPA</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Programming Services Officer, Public Affairs<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#004678;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">235 Promenade Street, Providence RI 02908</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">401-799-0100 (c)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="mailto:evan.lacross@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">evan.lacross@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:gray;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
</span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">(E);
</span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
(W)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0096D2;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Follow DEM on
</span></i><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM/?fref=ts__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!IgidNdpYKe16o-Et2EPNzARwQnHUhdezy1Bbxinqah21qGTIB0c1l5Vhp2-diG1RPW4RhTI1XkKE0Me2czXMxRBdcDhAm2rcrxjy$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#004678">Facebook</span></i> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">,<i><span style="color:#0096D2">
</span><span style="color:#00B0F0">on</span> </i></span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.instagram.com/rhodeisland.dem/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!IgidNdpYKe16o-Et2EPNzARwQnHUhdezy1Bbxinqah21qGTIB0c1l5Vhp2-diG1RPW4RhTI1XkKE0Me2czXMxRBdcDhAm84vWOrf$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002060">Instagram</span></i> [instagram.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002060;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">,</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
<span style="color:#00B0F0">and</span> <i><span style="color:#0096D2">on </span></i></span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://twitter.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!IgidNdpYKe16o-Et2EPNzARwQnHUhdezy1Bbxinqah21qGTIB0c1l5Vhp2-diG1RPW4RhTI1XkKE0Me2czXMxRBdcDhAm-5cu_w7$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#004678">Twitter</span></i> [twitter.com]</a></span><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0096D2;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">.</span></i><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:105%"><img border="0" width="152" height="76" style="width:1.5833in;height:.7916in" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image004.jpg@01DA269E.D55581D0" alt="Logo
Description automatically generated"><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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