Infrastructure Bank Awards $638,000 In Emerging Contaminants Grants To Small Water Systems In Newport, Scituate & Little Compton

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, in coordination with the Rhode Island Department of Health, has awarded a total of $638,000 in grant funding to small water systems in Newport, Scituate, and Little Compton to address PFAS and manganese contamination impacting public drinking water sources. The awards come from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program.

“PFAS and other emerging contaminants are a growing problem for public drinking water systems across Rhode Island, yet small water systems lack the financial resources to address the issue,” said Infrastructure Bank Executive Director William Fazioli. “That is why we are pleased to provide $638,000 in Emerging Contaminants grant funding to small water systems in Newport, Scituate, and Little Compton that collectively serve approximately 800 people. Utilizing this grant funding, each system will be able to upgrade their treatment processes to remove PFAS and manganese contaminants.”

“450 students and faculty rely on our drinking water system, and that’s why we are committed to removing PFAS contamination,” said Little Compton School Department Superintendent Dr. Laurie Dias-Mitchell. “As a small water system, upgrading our treatment process is a significant expense. That’s why we want to thank the Infrastructure Bank and Rhode Island Department of Health for working with us to apply for and receive this Emerging Contaminants grant funding. With a new treatment process, we will remove PFAS contamination and ensure that our students and faculty have access to safe drinking water.”

“This funding makes critical resources available to small public water systems in Rhode Island for specific projects to improve local drinking water infrastructure, the quality of the drinking water they provide, and protect public health,” said Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD. “We are pleased to announce the award of this funding with our partners at the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank.”

Emerging Contaminants Grants:

$550,000 – Little Compton School District
Project: PFAS Treatment and Water System Improvement at Wilbur & McMahon Schools. Design and implement treatment upgrades to remove elevated levels of PFAS impacting the water system serving 450 students and faculty

$48,000 – JEMP 1 LLC / Scituate Commons Apartment Complex
Project: PFAS Treatment System Planning at Scituate Apartment Complex. Design treatment system upgrades to remove elevated levels of PFAS impacting residents of the Scituate Commons Apartment Complex.

$40,000 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County
Project: Planning and Design of Manganese Treatment System at Camp Grosvenor. Design treatment system upgrades to remove elevated levels of iron and manganese impacting the approximately 300 individuals using the camp’s drinking water system.

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About the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank
Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank is Rhode Island’s central hub for financing infrastructure improvements for municipalities, businesses, and homeowners. We leverage capital in a revolving fund to offer innovative financing for an array of infrastructure-based projects including water and wastewater, road and bridge, energy efficiency and renewable energy, and brownfield remediation. These quality-of-life projects improve the State’s infrastructure, create jobs, promote economic development, and enhance the environment. www.riib.org – Facebook: @RIinfrastructure – Twitter: @RI_InfraBank

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