<!-- BaNnErBlUrFlE-BoDy-start -->
<!-- Preheader Text : BEGIN -->
<div style="display:none !important;display:none;visibility:hidden;mso-hide:all;font-size:1px;color:#ffffff;line-height:1px;height:0px;max-height:0px;opacity:0;overflow:hidden;">
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401. 222. 4700 | www. dem. ri. gov | @RhodeIslandDEM CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DEM. communications@ dem. ri. gov Tuesday, March 11, 2025 RESILIENCE</div>
<!-- Preheader Text : END -->
<!-- Email Banner : BEGIN -->
<div style="display:none !important;display:none;visibility:hidden;mso-hide:all;font-size:1px;color:#ffffff;line-height:1px;max-height:0px;opacity:0;overflow:hidden;">ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerStart</div>
<!--[if ((ie)|(mso))]>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="padding: 16px 0px 16px 0px; direction: ltr" ><tr><td>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="padding: 0px 10px 5px 6px; width: 100%; border-radius:4px; border-top:4px solid #90a4ae;background-color:#D0D8DC;"><tr><td valign="top">
<table align="left" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="padding: 4px 8px 4px 8px">
<tr><td style="color:#000000; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; font-weight:bold; font-size:14px; direction: ltr">
This Message Is From an External Sender
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="color:#000000; font-weight:normal; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; font-size:12px; direction: ltr">
This message came from outside your organization.
</td></tr>
</table>
<![if ie]><br clear="all"><![endif]>
<table align="right" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="padding: 4px 0px 4px 0px"><tr>
<td style="direction: ltr"> <a target="_blank" href="https://us-phishalarm-ewt.proofpoint.com/EWT/v1/KKphUJtCzQ!QaGMVaynFAsvanh60UsE23UteUDXmGVwoy2_3uhi_QLscH_yCc1-UzXPDNZKv6g9M7ELV03ssOILnqG883UH4IYxiTHP8V-X-2XvlaakEGqleVNtBj4JFLyv8UQaFVm5c46S4Nd_-C6ejNBdhYQa$" style="mso-padding-alt: 7.5px; padding: 7.5px; border-radius: 2px; border: 1.5px solid #666666; "><strong style="font-weight: normal; color: #000000; text-decoration: none; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height: 40px; "> Report Suspicious </strong></a> ‌ </td>
</tr></table>
</td></tr></table>
</td></tr></table>
<![endif]-->
<![if !((ie)|(mso))]>
<div dir="ltr" id="pfptBanner1sbmqil" style="all: revert !important; display:block !important; text-align: left !important; margin:16px 0px 16px 0px !important; padding:8px 16px 8px 16px !important; border-radius: 4px !important; min-width: 200px !important; background-color: #D0D8DC !important; background-color: #D0D8DC; border-top: 4px solid #90a4ae !important; border-top: 4px solid #90a4ae;">
<div id="pfptBanner1sbmqil" style="all: unset !important; float:left !important; display:block !important; margin: 0px 0px 1px 0px !important; max-width: 600px !important;">
<div id="pfptBanner1sbmqil" style="all: unset !important; display:block !important; visibility: visible !important; background-color: #D0D8DC !important; color:#000000 !important; color:#000000; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif !important; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; font-weight:bold !important; font-weight:bold; font-size:14px !important; line-height:18px !important; line-height:18px">
This Message Is From an External Sender
</div>
<div id="pfptBanner1sbmqil" style="all: unset !important; display:block !important; visibility: visible !important; background-color: #D0D8DC !important; color:#000000 !important; color:#000000; font-weight:normal; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif !important; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; font-size:12px !important; line-height:18px !important; line-height:18px; margin-top:2px !important;">
This message came from outside your organization.
</div>
</div>
<div id="pfptBanner1sbmqil" style="all: unset !important; float: right !important; display: block !important; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px !important; text-align: right !important; width: fit-content !important;">
<a id="pfptBanner1sbmqil" href="https://us-phishalarm-ewt.proofpoint.com/EWT/v1/KKphUJtCzQ!QaGMVaynFAsvanh60UsE23UteUDXmGVwoy2_3uhi_QLscH_yCc1-UzXPDNZKv6g9M7ELV03ssOILnqG883UH4IYxiTHP8V-X-2XvlaakEGqleVNtBj4JFLyv8UQaFVm5c46S4Nd_-C6ejNBdhYQa$"
style="all: unset !important; display: inline-block !important; text-decoration: none">
<div class="pfptPrimaryButton1sbmqil" style="display: inline-block !important; display: inline-block; visibility: visible !important; opacity: 1 !important; color: #000000 !important; color: #000000; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif !important; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; font-size: 14px !important; font-weight: normal !important; text-decoration: none !important; border-radius: 2px !important; padding: 7.5px 16px !important; margin: 3px 0 3px 16px !important; white-space: nowrap !important; width: fit-content !important;
border: 1px solid #666666">
Report Suspicious
</div>
</a>
</div>
<div style="clear: both !important; display: block !important; visibility: hidden !important; line-height: 0 !important; font-size: 0.01px !important; height: 0px"> </div>
</div>
<![endif]>
<div style="display:none !important;display:none;visibility:hidden;mso-hide:all;font-size:1px;color:#ffffff;line-height:1px;max-height:0px;opacity:0;overflow:hidden;">ZjQcmQRYFpfptBannerEnd</div>
<!-- Email Banner : END -->
<!-- BaNnErBlUrFlE-BoDy-end -->
<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">
<head><!-- BaNnErBlUrFlE-HeAdEr-start -->
<style>
#pfptBanner1sbmqil { all: revert !important; display: block !important;
visibility: visible !important; opacity: 1 !important;
background-color: #D0D8DC !important;
max-width: none !important; max-height: none !important }
.pfptPrimaryButton1sbmqil:hover, .pfptPrimaryButton1sbmqil:focus {
background-color: #b4c1c7 !important; }
.pfptPrimaryButton1sbmqil:active {
background-color: #90a4ae !important; }
</style>
<!-- BaNnErBlUrFlE-HeAdEr-end -->
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
<meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)">
<!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><![endif]--><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Calibri Light";
panose-1:2 15 3 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Aptos;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Century Gothic";
panose-1:2 11 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Impact;
panose-1:2 11 8 6 3 9 2 5 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#467886;
text-decoration:underline;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:10.0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1027" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
</head>
<body lang="EN-US" link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style="word-wrap:break-word">
<div class="WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="714" style="width:535.5pt;border-collapse:collapse">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="115" style="width:1.2in;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><img width="83" height="119" style="width:.8645in;height:1.2395in" id="Picture_x0020_782" src="cid:image001.png@01DB926D.5C67AAF0" alt="DEM-logo-small"></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td width="599" style="width:449.1pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">
<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>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<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:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="mailto:DEM.communications@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DEM.communications@dem.ri.gov</span></a></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"> Tuesday, March 11, 2025<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"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">RESILIENCE PROJECTS RECEIVE OVER $2M IN GRANT FUNDING
<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>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter" />
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0" />
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0" />
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1" />
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2" />
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth" />
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight" />
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1" />
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2" />
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth" />
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0" />
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight" />
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0" />
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" />
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t" />
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;margin-left:280.9pt;margin-top:2.75pt;width:332.1pt;height:249.05pt;z-index:-251658752;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page'>
<v:imagedata src="cid:image002.png@01DB926D.5C67AAF0" o:title="" />
<w:wrap type="tight" anchorx="margin"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="443" height="332" style="width:4.6145in;height:3.4583in" src="cid:image003.png@01DB9276.9649B250" align="right" 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"> The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the
</span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.crmc.ri.gov/index.html"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">
(CRMC) announce thirteen projects are receiving over $2M in funding from the first round of the 2024
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/water-resources/financial-assistance/oscar-fund-grants"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Ocean
State Climate Adaptation and Resilience</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> (OSCAR) Fund Program. This financial assistance is for adaptation and resilience projects that protect or enhance coastal
or riverine habitats to address the impacts of climate change. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">In 2021, the Rhode Island General Assembly
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE46/46-23.3/46-23.3-4.htm__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!O2RcrDTXWKbd-Rfkoaoqrer5TXb6qn2cHDxTHtQiYkqXeA--e77hdzuOmYUdWOhGJU2WickDkAdKpEjGbgQaN0tudjLcWPwR4_I_$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">adopted legislation</span> [webserver.rilin.state.ri.us]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">
establishing the <a name="_Hlk163122084">OSCAR Fund</a> as a program jointly administered by DEM, CRMC, and the
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.riib.org/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!O2RcrDTXWKbd-Rfkoaoqrer5TXb6qn2cHDxTHtQiYkqXeA--e77hdzuOmYUdWOhGJU2WickDkAdKpEjGbgQaN0tudjLcWDhI_EIs$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank</span> [riib.org]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">
(RIIB). Funding was allocated to support the program in 2022 and </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/830-10-35-1"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">were
adopted in 2023</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">. The following approved projects were selected
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-dem-crmc-and-riib-announce-availability-nearly-4m-grants-resilience"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">through
a competitive review process of project proposals</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> by representatives from CRMC, DEM, the Rhode Island Division of Planning, and the Rhode Island Emergency Management
Agency (RIEMA). <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">“When it comes to the potential impact of rising waters and extreme weather events, the Ocean State must be a leader in climate resiliency,”
<b>said Governor Dan McKee</b>. “These OSCAR grants are helping Rhode Island communities protect and plan for the future.”<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">“Rhode Island is confronting significant and varied impacts from climate change, particularly coastal threats like sea level rise and storm surge along our
over 400 miles of coastline,” <b>said DEM Director Terry Gray</b>. “These OSCAR grants are providing funding to protect and strengthen the vital functions that coastal and riverine habitats play in mitigating the most severe impacts of climate change in our
communities.”<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">“The CRMC is excited to work with RIIB and DEM on this project to support impactful and inventive projects that protect crucial habitat, encourage resiliency
in Rhode Island communities in the face of increased impacts from sea level rise and erosion, and safeguard and enhance public access to the shore,”
<b>said CRMC Executive Director Jeffrey Willis</b>. <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">“The OSCAR fund is another important tool for our cities and towns to invest in green and resilient infrastructure solutions to protect and enhance coastal
and riverine habitats that are vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events,"
<b>said RIIB Executive Director William Fazioli</b>. “We are pleased to partner with DEM and CRMC to administer this program, and to award these OSCAR grants to our municipal and other partners.”<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">“We tend to think of infrastructure in terms of roads and bridges. But the next generation of infrastructure that we’re going to need to invest in are the
places where our shorelines are at risk due to the effects of climate change,” said
<b>Senator Ryan W. Pearson</b> (D-Dist. 19, Cumberland, Lincoln), who sponsored the Senate bill that created the fund. “The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projects that in the next 15 years, sea levels could potentially rise an additional foot,
two feet by 2050, and nine feet by 2100. This funding will give these communities needed assistance to better prepare for the impacts of climate change.”<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">“Working together with our partners in CRMC and RIIB, these OSCAR Fund awards are supporting projects that help protect our state from climate change impacts
by enhancing and restoring crucial coastal and riverine habitats,” <b>said RI Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) Kim Korioth</b>. “Rhode Island continues to take action to minimize climate impacts, and I remain focused on helping our communities and environment
adapt and adjust to the current and future effects of climate change.”<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"><b><u><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Planning and Design Projects:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></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"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Town of Coventry – Improved Designs for Mitigating Flood Risks and Improving Aquatic Habitats - $275,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">The Town of Coventry will retain consultants to design replacements of two undersized culverts that are associated with repeated riverine flooding. The project
will focus on open-bottom culvert designs that will enhance the passage of aquatic organisms. The targeted locations involve crossings of the Flat River at Maple Valley Road and at Franklin Road. The new designs will enhance resiliency to the increased frequency
and size of rainstorms, will reduce flooding impacts including erosion, and will enhance protection of water quality and aquatic habitat.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">City of Cranston – Implementing Nature-Based Solutions through Two Pilot Projects - $225,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">The City of Cranston, working with consultants, will undertake a two-part, City-wide flood study to identify public areas where restoration of degraded wetland
habitat and other flood mitigation measures can be implemented to enhance resiliency. The work will focus on river and stream corridors and lead to the development of conceptual design alternatives for two pilot projects for flood-prone areas associated with
Furnace Hill Brook and Bellefont Brook. <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"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Town of Hopkinton – Restoring Aquatic Organism Passage and Reducing Flooding at Canonchet Road in Hopkinton - $150,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">The Town of Hopkinton, in partnership with Save the Bay, will retain consultants to design a replacement of an undersized culvert to reduce road flooding
and restore stream passage for aquatic organisms in a portion of Canonchet Brook that is designated as cold-water trout habitat. Upgrading the culvert to an open-bottom stream crossing design will enhance stream connectivity and minimize flooding events during
the more intense precipitation events being experienced in and projected for RI.
<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"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">City of Newport – Restoring Marsh Habitat and Public Green Spaces at South Easton Pond - $150,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">The City of Newport, with assistance from consultants, will complete a comprehensive study to evaluate the site conditions of the drainage channel along South
Easton Pond and create a restoration plan that utilize bioengineering and nature-based strategies to improve erosion control and bank stabilization. Additionally, the project will identify an approach to restoring existing marshland habitat and creating new
marsh habitat. The project will also plan for increased public access via an extended walking path.
<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"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Town of North Kingstown – Town Beach Sea Wall Revetment - $300,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">The Town of North Kingstown will procure engineering services to enhance the resilience of the town beach. The project plan is to relocate and redesign the
existing seawall as well as stormwater controls at the facility. The existing seawall has sustained damage from storms including overtopping by bay waters during weather events, scouring creating voids and shifting of stones. The project builds on earlier
work and collaboration with CRMC and Save The Bay on the technically feasible solutions to enhancing long-term resiliency at the beach complex.<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"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">City of Pawtucket – Moshassuck River Urban Restoration Program - $250,000
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">The City of Pawtucket will retain consultants to complete a study of its portion of the Moshassuck River to address on-going climate and ecological resilience
challenges in this urbanized area. The project will evaluate site conditions, identify flood-prone areas, and assess invasive species and public access. With stakeholder engagement, the project will develop and assess alternative strategies, including nature-based
solutions, to address the ecological and climate resilience concerns. <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"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">City of Providence – India Point Park Shoreline Improvement Project - $400,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">The City of Providence will address the challenges of climate change and shoreline degradation due to increased storm events and tidal inundation at India
Point Park located at the confluence of the estuarine Seekonk and Providence Rivers. The City will retain consulting services to conduct additional technical feasibility and design work for select park shoreline improvement projects which will prioritize
nature-based solutions and may include living shorelines, wetland restoration, vegetated buffers, and protective reefs.
<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"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">DEM Division of Planning and Development – Improving Resilience at Gull Cove Public Shoreline Access Point - $50,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">DEM will complete planning and design for enhancing the public access site at Gull Cove in Portsmouth by restoring degraded areas, creating safe shoreline
access, and minimizing negative impacts to shoreline habitats from human activity. The project will involve minimization of impervious surfaces, redesign of parking to keep vehicles out of flood or erosion prone areas, and re-vegetation of shoreline habitat.
<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"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">City of Warwick – Pawtuxet Park Waterfront Improvement Project - $193,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Building upon a prior planning and community engagement, the City of Warwick with assistance from engineering consultants will complete further planning,
design and permitting tasks related to improvements that will enhance resiliency and address existing habitat degradation at Pawtuxet Park located adjacent to Pawtuxet Cove. Key aspects of the project involve restoring and enhancing shoreline natural habitats
including vegetated buffers. Living shoreline approaches will be designed to mitigate erosion and provide greater resilience against storms.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Implementation/Construction Projects:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Town of Bristol – Low Lane Resilience and Right of Way Improvements - $257,690<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">The Town of Bristol will retain engineering and construction services to design and implement site improvements at the Low Lane public right of way that leads
to the waters of the upper East Passage of Narragansett Bay. The planned improvements will address severe erosion associated with increased frequency of intense rainfall events through improved stormwater controls. Additional plantings to improve upland habitat
are also expected. <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"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Edgewood Waterfront Preservation Association</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> –
<b>Restoring Resilience of Stillhouse Cove Park</b> <b>- $59,150<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">The Edgewood Waterfront Preservation Association, in collaboration with the City of Cranston and other partners, will complete permitting and implementation
of a nature-based shoreline stabilization projects aimed at addressing erosion which has worsened due to recent successive storms. The approach, developed in consultation with CRMC, will involve coir logs and native plantings. The project will improve the
resilience of Stillhouse Cove Park and enhance protection of the vegetated bluff habitat as well as salt marsh associated with a brackish creek.
<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"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Town of Jamestown – Mackerel Cove Dune Restoration and Resiliency - $199,400<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">The Town of Jamestown will undertake a project to develop and implement a strategy to restore and stabilize the sand dunes at Mackerel Cove to protect Beavertail
Road from flooding and sustain essential habitat for migrating and nesting birds and pollinators. Consultants will be hired to conduct a resiliency study of the area and develop a dune restoration plan in coordination with the Jamestown Conservation Commission.
A cost-benefit analysis will be employed to select an approach with permitting to follow.
<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"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">DEM Division of Planning and Development – Enhancing Coastal Resilience and Safe Public Access at Black Point, RI - $100,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Within the state-owned Black Point Access Point Property in Narragansett, this project will undertake implementation of work to repair, stabilize and enhance
the resilience of the heavily used primary shoreline access trail. The site improvements will preserve public access by installation of stairs and nature-based best management practices for stormwater management among other components. The project will reduce
site erosion and enhance protection of the rocky shore habitat. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">.
Follow </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!O2RcrDTXWKbd-Rfkoaoqrer5TXb6qn2cHDxTHtQiYkqXeA--e77hdzuOmYUdWOhGJU2WickDkAdKpEjGbgQaN0tudjLcWI9eK3Pu$"><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/X (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/JKHsVOn/medialist__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!O2RcrDTXWKbd-Rfkoaoqrer5TXb6qn2cHDxTHtQiYkqXeA--e77hdzuOmYUdWOhGJU2WickDkAdKpEjGbgQaN0tudjLcWEv6JUYH$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Sign up here</span> [lp.constantcontactpages.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
to receive the latest press releases, news, and events from DEM's Public Affairs Office to your inbox.<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" 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-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Programming Services Officer/Public Information Officer<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="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="mailto:evan.lacross@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0563C1">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="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;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"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/JKHsVOn/medialist__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!O2RcrDTXWKbd-Rfkoaoqrer5TXb6qn2cHDxTHtQiYkqXeA--e77hdzuOmYUdWOhGJU2WickDkAdKpEjGbgQaN0tudjLcWEv6JUYH$"><span style="color:#0563C1">Sign up here</span> [lp.constantcontactpages.com]</a></span></b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
to receive the latest press releases, news, and events from DEM's Public Affairs Office to your inbox.<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="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM/?fref=ts__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!O2RcrDTXWKbd-Rfkoaoqrer5TXb6qn2cHDxTHtQiYkqXeA--e77hdzuOmYUdWOhGJU2WickDkAdKpEjGbgQaN0tudjLcWB1tcaRT$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#004678">Facebook</span></i> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">,<i><span style="color:#0096D2">
</span><span style="color:#00B0F0">on</span> </i></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.instagram.com/rhodeisland.dem/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!O2RcrDTXWKbd-Rfkoaoqrer5TXb6qn2cHDxTHtQiYkqXeA--e77hdzuOmYUdWOhGJU2WickDkAdKpEjGbgQaN0tudjLcWMkL4G2s$"><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="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://twitter.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!O2RcrDTXWKbd-Rfkoaoqrer5TXb6qn2cHDxTHtQiYkqXeA--e77hdzuOmYUdWOhGJU2WickDkAdKpEjGbgQaN0tudjLcWH12zL4w$"><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="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:105%"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><img border="0" width="152" height="76" style="width:1.5833in;height:.7916in" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image004.jpg@01DB926D.5C67AAF0" alt="Logo
Description automatically generated"></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
</body>
</html>