USACE New England Proposes Coastal Storm Risk Management Plan

The USACE, New England District, is conducting the Pawcatuck River Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) feasibility study and is proposing a plan to reduce potential storm and flooding impacts to Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown and Narragansett, Rhode Island.

The study area includes about 28 miles of moderately developed coast in the mentioned towns in Washington County.

The floodplain completely encompasses the coastal barrier beaches and salt ponds in the area.

There is a demonstrated need for coastal resiliency measures to be implemented in south coastal Rhode Island.

Residential and commercial properties in the Pawcatuck River coastal floodplain are all vulnerable to inundation from coastal storms.

The study area includes about 4,000 structures most of which are residential. The total value of the existing residential and commercial inventory is estimated to be worth more than $600 million.

This study is being conducted under existing authorities and under the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 for Hurricane Sandy impacts, according to Project Manager Christopher Hatfield, of the Corps of Engineers, New England District, Planning Division in Concord, Mass.