R.I. Infrastructure Bank Awards $632,100 In Grants For Stormwater Projects In East Providence, Pawtucket & Little Compton

Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant Program funds will improve stormwater management and reduce impacts on nearby waterways.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, the state’s central hub for financing infrastructure improvements for municipalities, businesses, and homeowners, has awarded $632,100 in Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant Program funds for stormwater management projects in East Providence, Pawtucket, and Little Compton.

“With the increased frequency and severity of intense rain and flooding events due to climate change, implementing new stormwater management infrastructure is critical to improving resilience and reducing impacts on nearby ecosystems” said Jeffrey Diehl, CEO of Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank. “This grant funding for projects in East Providence, Pawtucket, and Little Compton will allow these communities to install bioretention planters, berms, and other ‘green infrastructure’ solutions that will reduce stormwater runoff, increase green space, and improve public access to recreational spaces. We are pleased to make this grant funding available for these worthy projects that will reduce stormwater runoff, benefit the environment, and improve quality of life.”

East Providence: Agnes Hennessey Elementary School Stormwater Improvements, $150,200
The Agnes Hennessey Elementary School is surrounded by impervious surface with no stormwater management or shading from street trees. Stormwater from the school’s asphalt playground and parking areas currently runs off into the Providence River. Using grant funding, East Providence will install curb inlet planters, providing needed stormwater treatment while also providing green space and tree canopy to an otherwise all asphalt area. Ornamental trees, shrubs, and grasses will also be installed, providing shade and reducing urban heat island effects.

Pawtucket: Slater Park North Parking Lot Improvements, $234,800 
Two existing parking lots on Sally Road in Slater Park regularly flood picnic areas along the road and discharge stormwater runoff into the Ten Mile River. Using grant funding, a new North Parking Lot area will utilize bioretention planters and a bituminous curb or earthen berm to reduce flooding and stormwater runoff.

Little Compton: Taylor’s Lane Stormwater Improvements: $247,100 
Taylors Lane runs generally downhill from West Main Road to a six-vehicle parking area and coastal access point on the Sakonnet River. Existing ditches and culverts currently discharge stormwater overland to the Sakonnet River. Using grant funding, bioretention swales will be installed, a new pervious paver system will be implemented in the parking area, and existing pavement will be removed to pull back parking from the coastal feature as much as possible.

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