EPA awards $3.9M for coastal water projects in R.I. and Mass.

THE U.S. EPA awarded $3.9 million in a grant that will be used to fund projects that protect and restrore coastal ecosystems and their watersheds in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
THE U.S. EPA awarded $3.9 million in a grant that will be used to fund projects that protect and restrore coastal ecosystems and their watersheds in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. / COURTESY U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

PROVIDENCE – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday a $3.9 million grant to Restore America’s Estuaries under the Southeast New England Program.

“We are very excited about partnering with EPA to work with local communities and organizations to protect and restore the coastal waters of southern New England,” said Jeff Benoit, president of Restore America’s Estuaries.

Restore America’s Estuaries is a national alliance of 10 coastal conservation groups including the Rhode Island nonprofit Save The Bay. The organization will manage the money with a competitive sub-award grant program to support projects that protect and restore coastal ecosystems and their watersheds.

The EPA will work with RAE to develop priorities for the request for proposals and will also be on the review committee to help select the proposals that get funded.

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The $3.9 million will be distributed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts after an upcoming formal request for proposal, according to a representative for the EPA. The EPA expects this process to take place in the coming months.

“Rhode Island’s natural resources, and in particular our local waters, are the lifeblood of our state,” said R.I. Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit. “They nurture a healthy environment and economy and provide for our enjoyment. Through the support of many partners, we’ve made incredible strides in improving the health of our waters over the years. And the Southeast New England Program is an important part of the equation, providing critical funding to help protect and restore our coastal watersheds, which will benefit our state and our families for generations to come.”

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