Woonsocket Receives Climate Grant From RI Infrastructure Bank

WOONSOCKET — The City of Woonsocket has received a grant for climate-resilience projects from Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank as part of the 2020 Resilient Rhody Municipal Resilience Program, said the company in a news release Wednesday.

Woonsocket is one of seven communities, including Bristol, Little Compton, Newport, Pawtucket/Central Falls, and Warwick, who were awarded a total of $1.5 million in grants to implement projects that will increase their climate resilience. The cities and towns who participated were required to submit proposals to the bank and provide a 25 percent local match.

“The Infrastructure Bank is committed to working with our municipal partners to accelerate investment in critical infrastructure and nature-based solutions that better prepare Rhode Island communities for a changing climate," said R.I. Infrastructure Bank CEO Jeffrey R. Diehl in a statement.

Woonsocket will be using the grant to fund stormwater management projects at River's Edge Park, River Island Park, Bernon Memorial Park, and the City Hall parking lot and increase the culvert capacity for flood mitigation on Mendon Road.

R.I Infrastructure Bank said it has selected six additional communities to participate in the 2021 Resilient Rhody Municipal Resilience Program, including Cumberland, East Providence, Jamestown, New Shoreham, North Kingstown, and Providence.

More information about the grant program and this year's climate-resilience projects can be found here.