WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to protect citizens and businesses in the Blackstone Valley from future flood damage, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is calling on the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a study of flooding in the Blackstone Valley. Yesterday, Reed succeeded in getting a key Senate panel to approve a resolution calling on the Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate flooding and flood plain management in the Blackstone Valley Watershed of Rhode Island and Massachusetts and provide recommendations for addressing these problems. The Blackstone Valley is vulnerable to flooding during major storms. But we can take steps to significantly decrease the risks, said Reed. My resolution will help get the Army Corps of Engineers involved in making recommendations to improve flood hazard reduction and surface water management to create safer conditions for people and property in the Blackstone Valley. The Blackstone Valley, which encompasses nine communities in Rhode Island and several in southern Massachusetts, has historically experienced flooding. In October 2005, a record 15 inches of rain fell in the Blackstone Valley area of Rhode Island. The rainfall caused damage to communities, businesses, and residents throughout the area. Stormwater overpowered a wastewater treatment facility in Woonsocket and caused it to discharge sewage into the river, destroyed Central Falls Town Landing, forced sediment into reservoirs requiring Pawtucket and Cumberland residents to boil tap water, and flooded streets and basements resulting in damage to public infrastructure and private property. Damages were estimated at $40 million. The study resolution, which was approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, will permit the Army Corps of Engineers to provide recommendations to the Senate and the state of Rhode Island on flood damage reduction, environmental restoration, and other allied water resource needs to resolve flooding, flood plain management, and other issues affecting the Blackstone River in Rhode Island. Passing this resolution is a good first step. Now we need to get the full Senate on board and get Congress to appropriate the money needed to see this project through. I will continue working at the federal level to improve Rhode Islands flood protection facilities and safeguard our citizens and property owners from major flooding, concluded Reed.