FEMA approves funds for Warwick facility

WARWICK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved funding aimed at protecting the city’s wastewater-treatment facility against future flooding.
Announced at an event featuring U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin, Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee and Mayor Scott Avedisian, the approval includes an estimated $3.6 million in federal funds, which will cover 90 percent of the proposed project to upgrade flood-protection measures.
The facility was previously deemed “critical” by R.I. Emergency Management Agency. It currently treats an average of 5 million gallons per day. Warwick will save $600,000 on the cost of construction due to a provision included in the fiscal 2010 Supplemental Appropriations Act that reduced the nonfederal share for FEMA assistance provided in response to Rhode Island’s 2010 floods, which hit Warwick particularly hard.
The Warwick Wastewater Treatment Facility, located near the Pawtuxet River, was subject to major damage when a protective levee was overtopped by the river, completely submerging the facility, including six pumping stations along the river and knocking out power and all treatment operations. All told, the flood caused nearly $14 million in damages at the facility. •

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