South Kingstown secures boat‑wash and hydrilla treatment grants for local ponds

Town staff presented two related environmental grant awards focused on invasive hydrilla control and preventing spread via recreational boating. Administration said the town received a $35,000 grant to install a solar‑powered, self‑contained boat‑washing station at the Warden Pond boat ramp; the unit supplier quoted approximately $47,000 for the base system, software and accessories, leaving the town’s cash match and installation costs to be drawn from available grant‑match reserves and in‑kind labor. The device includes winterization needs, battery replacement over time and a software subscription to monitor operations.

Separately, the town received a $155,000 Narragansett Bay and Water Restoration Fund award to support two seasons of hydrilla treatment for Indian Lake. Staff said the grant mechanics will likely split treatment costs roughly 50/50 across two seasons; the town’s total match obligation was presented as approximately $125,000 over the two years. Administration noted DEM already treated parts of Indian Lake this year with US Fish and Wildlife funding and that hydrilla is spreading (DEM reports ~50 acres affected in a 1,000‑acre water body). Representatives of the Indian Lake Hydrilla Response Coalition and Friends of the Saugatucket urged funding for long‑term maintenance, volunteer greeters/educators at boat launches and broader coordination with DEM and nonprofit partners.

Council voted to accept the grants and authorized staff to proceed with purchase orders and installation steps so targets are in place before the next boating season. Staff said they will seek to capitalize some multi‑year maintenance and software subscription costs into initial contracts and continue to pursue partner contributions from local watershed organizations.