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Council, state delegation discuss Narrow River dredging plan, funding and stormwater fixes
Summary
Officials discussed plans for an initial dredging this fall at the mouth of Narrow River, concerns about federal funding, and additional local stormwater best-management projects flagged by the Narrow River Preservation Association.
Narragansett officials and state legislators discussed a planned dredging project at the mouth of Narrow River and related water-quality measures during a Feb. 3 joint session.
Senator Alana DeMario and Representative Carol Hagan McEntee said the council's near-term plan is to proceed with an initial dredge to demonstrate progress and to keep costs from compounding. "That was the plan. The plan was to do that to show a hint of certainty," one council member said; council members and legislators reported the first stretch is "shooting for October" this year.
Why it matters: Delays in dredging can increase costs and worsen water-quality and navigation impacts; securing federal and state aid is uncertain.
Funding and federal support: Legislators said federal funding for environmental projects is constrained and described a challenging federal funding environment for dredging and other environmental work. They said they would work with the federal delegation to seek support, but warned money may be limited.
Stormwater and river protection: DeMario noted meetings with the Narrow River Preservation Association and said the group identified two additional sites in Narragansett that need best-management practices to prevent stormwater runoff from entering the river. One site in Metatuxet is implemented; two northern-town locations were flagged as needing work. The group also sought town support for storage needs tied to their activities.
Next steps: The delegation offered to work with federal representatives and to provide letters of support for grant applications. Council members said they want to avoid starting a project that later stalls and increases costs, and they emphasized the need for a coordinated funding strategy.
Ending: Officials agreed to continue coordination among the town, the Narrow River Preservation Association and state and federal representatives to pursue dredging and stormwater projects.
