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Narragansett council approves short-term Narrow River dredging alternative, directs manager to seek financing
Summary
The council selected Dredge Alternative 4 — land-based mechanical dredging with regulated placement of dredged material — and directed the town manager to pursue financing and permitting. Estimated construction costs were given and the action is contingent on available funding.
The Narragansett Town Council on Oct. 7 approved a short-term dredging strategy for Narrow River and directed the town manager to pursue financing and start permitting work so construction can proceed when funds are available.
Councilors voted to select Dredge Alternative 4, described as land-based mechanical dredging with placement of dredged material at a location acceptable to regulatory agencies during permitting. The motion, moved by Councillor Lawler and seconded by Councillor Ferranti, passed by a recorded vote of 4-0.
The council cited recent work sessions with Foth Engineering and meetings with federal and state resource agencies as the basis for the decision. The town manager noted the alternative was favored in discussions with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Coastal Resources Management Council as a practical phased approach that can be advanced through permitting and modified if required.
The meeting record lists an estimated construction cost range of $771,040 to $1,000,001.25294; council members and town staff emphasized the selection is contingent on available financing and regulatory approvals. The council directed the town manager to pursue financing options and continue coordination with engineers and permitting agencies.
Representative Carol Hagan McEntee, who addressed the council during the public comment period, said the project had been “a long time coming” and urged officials to start with what permits they could secure now and expand later. Local stakeholders who helped develop the proposal also urged timely action.
Some residents urged a broader, more comprehensive approach. Catherine Salaberto told the council that targeted, smaller dredges might be a “band aid” if broader sections are not addressed and suggested seeking cost-sharing from neighboring South Kingstown and other beneficiaries. A resident involved in river advocacy thanked the town manager and volunteers and urged cooperation among stakeholders.
The council’s action advances the project into the permitting phase but does not commit construction funds; the motion explicitly makes construction contingent on financing and approval by regulatory agencies.
Next steps: the town manager will seek financing options, continue engineering and permitting coordination, and engage stakeholders as the project proceeds through required regulatory reviews.
