Home Economy Economic Activity $48.5M flood project for Cranston, Johnston federally authorized

$48.5M flood project for Cranston, Johnston federally authorized

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PBN Staff

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08/21/2024

Flooding — THE U.S. DEPARTMENT of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service has been authorized to implement the Pocasset River Flood Damage Reduction Project, members of the state’s congressional delegation announced Wednesday. / PBN FILE PHOTO/BRIAN MCDONALD

PROVIDENCE – The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service has been authorized to implement the Pocasset River Flood Damage Reduction Project, the state’s congressional delegation announced Wednesday. The project, estimated to cost $48.5 million, will help mitigate damage to homes within critical flooding areas in Cranston and Johnston along the Pocasset River. An

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PROVIDENCE – The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service has been authorized to implement the Pocasset River Flood Damage Reduction Project, the state’s congressional delegation announced Wednesday. The project, estimated to cost $48.5 million, will help mitigate damage to homes within critical flooding areas in Cranston and Johnston along the Pocasset River. An initial $12 million in federal funding will be available this year from earmarks secured by Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I. in fiscal year 2022, 2023 and 2024 appropriations laws. Johnston and Cranston have teamed up to sponsor the project, which will be implemented by Rhode Island NRCS in partnership with the Rhode Island Association of Conservation Districts. “Rhode Islanders living in the Pocasset River Watershed deserve the peace of mind of knowing that their families and homes are safe,” Reed said. “As climate change worsens, we know that flooding like what Rhode Island saw earlier this year will only continue to intensify.” This project, authorized through the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, will be used to restore the Pocasset River’s 100-year floodplain by offering homeowners in Johnston and Cranston neighborhoods voluntary property buyouts, allowing them to relocate out of flood-prone areas. “Our federal delegation continues to deliver for the residents of Rhode Island,” said Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. “I’ve seen firsthand how so many have been forced from their homes, lost priceless personal possessions and incurred thousands of dollars in damage, all due to flooding. With this federal funding, residents now have much-needed resources to help fight the severe and pervasive effects of climate change that impact their daily lives,” As additional funding becomes available, the Pocasset River floodplain in those areas can be restored to provide flood attenuation, community open space, recreational benefits and wildlife habitat. The project will be rolled out incrementally by NRCS, and officials expect to begin outreach to eligible neighborhoods one at a time as funding becomes available. “We are grateful to receive this project funding and support from the USDA, NRCS and representatives of our federal delegation,” Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins said. “Flooding along the Pocasset River has become a perennial issue with the increased frequency of extreme weather events. Investing in these strategies to protect Cranston's riverfront neighborhoods is crucial to preserve our residents’ quality of life.” The USDA estimates the project will help nearly 1,000 residents and reduce the average annual cost of flood damage in impacted neighborhoods by around $3.1 million.