Ocean State Today

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) have announced that thirteen projects will receive over $2 million in funding from the 2024 Ocean State Climate Adaptation and Resilience (OSCAR) Fund Program. This initiative supports adaptation and resilience projects aimed at protecting or enhancing coastal or riverine habitats to mitigate climate change impacts.

The OSCAR Fund was established by legislation adopted by the Rhode Island General Assembly in 2021, with funding allocated in 2022 and adopted in 2023. The program is jointly administered by DEM, CRMC, and the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB). Projects were selected through a competitive review process involving representatives from CRMC, DEM, the Rhode Island Division of Planning, and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA).

Governor Dan McKee emphasized the importance of climate resiliency for Rhode Island: “When it comes to the potential impact of rising waters and extreme weather events, the Ocean State must be a leader in climate resiliency. These OSCAR grants are helping Rhode Island communities protect and plan for the future.”

DEM Director Terry Gray highlighted coastal threats: “Rhode Island is confronting significant and varied impacts from climate change, particularly coastal threats like sea level rise and storm surge along our over 400 miles of coastline.”

CRMC Executive Director Jeffrey Willis expressed enthusiasm for collaborative efforts: “The CRMC is excited to work with RIIB and DEM on this project to support impactful and inventive projects that protect crucial habitat.”

RIIB Executive Director William Fazioli noted: “The OSCAR fund is another important tool for our cities and towns to invest in green and resilient infrastructure solutions.”

Senator Ryan W. Pearson stressed infrastructure investment needs due to climate change effects: “We tend to think of infrastructure in terms of roads and bridges. But the next generation of infrastructure that we’re going to need to invest in are places where our shorelines are at risk due to climate change effects.”

Kim Korioth, RI Chief Resilience Officer (CRO), stated: “Working together with our partners in CRMC and RIIB, these OSCAR Fund awards are supporting projects that help protect our state from climate change impacts.”

Among planning projects funded include Coventry's designs for mitigating flood risks ($275,000), Cranston's nature-based solutions pilot projects ($225,000), Hopkinton's culvert replacement project ($150,000), Newport's marsh habitat restoration ($150,000), North Kingstown’s seawall revetment ($300,000), Pawtucket’s Moshassuck River restoration program ($250,000), Providence’s India Point Park improvements ($400,000), Gull Cove access point enhancements by DEM ($50,000), Warwick’s Pawtuxet Park waterfront improvements ($193,000).

Implementation/construction projects include Bristol’s Low Lane improvements ($257,690), Edgewood Waterfront Preservation Association’s Stillhouse Cove Park stabilization ($59,150), Jamestown’s Mackerel Cove dune restoration ($199,400), Black Point access enhancements by DEM ($100,000).

For further information on DEM programs visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow their social media channels.