WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to safeguard Providence from flooding and protect the state's coastline, waterways, and estuaries, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will direct nearly $2 million in federal funding for projects throughout the state. The Corps annual operating plan, which it released today, contains $1,963,000 for initiatives throughout the Narragansett Bay watershed, including projects in Providence and South County. This funding is provided through the continuing resolution that Congress passed last month that Senator Reed supported. "I am pleased to have secured this important funding for Rhode Island's coastline and waterways," said Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "Rhode Island's rivers and waterways are vital to our economy and have a significant impact on our state's culture. I will continue to work to secure federal funding to protect these resources." The plan also contains funding to upgrade and repair the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier which would protect Providence and the surrounding coastal area in the event of a hurricane. "Upgrades to the Fox Point barrier are long overdue," stated Reed. "This barrier protects thousands of people and billions of dollars in property in and around Providence. By investing in this vital infrastructure now, we can potentially help save lives and prevent millions of dollars in damage to people's homes. This is a wise use of taxpayers' money and will prevent costly reconstruction." A list of projects follows: Fox Point Hurricane Barrier Upgrades and Repairs: $1,100,000Providence In its fiscal year 2007 plan, $1.1 million will be used to upgrade and repair the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier which stretches from Allens Avenue to India Point Park in Providence. In the event of a hurricane, this important barrier protects the city and surrounding coastal areas from storm surges from Narrgansett Bay and the Providence River basin. The barrier is in need of essential maintenance to its electro-mechanical control system. Recent studies by the City of Providence and the Corps have shown that the barrier's 40 year old system consisting of 35 foot high gates, dykes, and electrically driven pumps, are in disrepair. Last year, Reed authored key provisions to a supplemental appropriations bill to include over $1.1 million for upgrades to the structure. For more information contact: Karen Southern, Office of Mayor Cicilline, (401) 421-2489 Narrow River Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project: $165,000Narragansett/South Kingstown The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will receive $165,000 in federal funding to continue a feasibility study of a project to restore estuarine habitats along the Narrow River in Narragansett and South Kingstown. The Corps of Engineers has prepared a Preliminary Restoration Plan to reduce tidal restriction between Narrow River and Rhode Island Sound. Narrow River, also known as Pettaquamscutt River, is located near the entrance to the West Passage of Narragansett Bay. Narrow River is a constricted and poorly flushed estuary. Shoaling in the lower Narrow River and high nutrient concentrations may be contributing to a decline in eelgrass and shellfish habitat. Eelgrass beds and other submerged aquatic vegetation provide valuable nesting, spawning, nursery, cover, and foraging habitat for aquatic and semi-aquatic animals. The river provides important estuarine and freshwater habitats that contribute to the productivity of Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound. The degradation of these habitats adversely affects Rhode Island coastal ecosystems. The feasibility study will investigate alternatives to restore eelgrass, shellfish, waterfowl, and finfish habitats, and salt marshes in the Narrow River. Reed has secured a total of $300,000 for the study. For more information contact: Grover Fugate, Coastal Resources Management Council, (401) 783-7112 Charlestown Breachway navigation study: $1,000CharlestownThe Corps will receive funding to complete a navigation project design for the Charlestown Breachway and Inlet. There is growing concern for navigation safety through the breachway, which connects Ninigret Pond to Block Island Sound. The Army Corps of Engineers is considering a project to remove large boulders on the ocean side of the breachway as well as some dredging of the natural channel farther inland. The Corps will already be dredging in Ninigret Pond for habitat purposes under the South Coast Habitat Restoration Project, minimizing the cost of the project. Reed has secured $295,000 for the project since 2003. For more information contact: Grover Fugate, Coastal Resources Management Council, (401) 783-7112 Ninigret and Cross Mills Ponds Habitat Restoration: $650,000Charlestown Ninigret Pond is the largest saltwater pond in Rhode Island providing critical habitat for wildlife. The Corps will use $650,000 to complete restoration of eelgrass and other coastal pond habitat to the flood tidal shoals. The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) and the Corps have been working cooperatively on this project for several years. Reed had championed restoration of Ninigret Pond since 2000. For more information contact: Grover Fugate, Coastal Resources Management Council, (401) 783-7112 Winnapaug Pond Habitat Restoration: $47,000Westerly The Corps will receive $47,000 for the restoration of Winnapaug Pond which currently has a high level of pollution and no eelgrass. The restoration project when completed will remove more than 75,000 cubic yards of sand to improve water quality in the pond. Sand from the projected will be pumped onto Misquamicut Beach which will help address coastal erosion along the shore. The funding will be used to complete final designs for this important restoration project. For more information contact: Grover Fugate, Coastal Resources Management Council, (401) 783-7112