Senator Reed delivered remarks at an event celebrating the removal of the White Rock Dam from the Pawcatuck River in Westerly. The project was completed with federal funds as part of a $1.98 million cooperative agreement between the Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and several other organizations. Reed led efforts to secure federal funds for the project during his time as Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee to help reduce the risk of future flood threats, reopen the river to migrating fish and other aquatic species, and preserve recreational opportunities. Now that the White Rock Dam has been removed, miles of impounded water will be restored to a free-flowing river. Last month, Senator Reed introduced the High Hazard Potential Small Dam Safety Act, a bipartisan bill with Senator Capito that would help states remove and repair aging dams whose failure could be life-threatening.
