Magaziner Celebrates Over $1.5 Million in Federal Funding Secured for Clean Water in West Warwick
WEST WARWICK, R.I. — Today, U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) held a press conference and tour to announce $1,576,031 in federal funding secured by Magaziner and Senator Jack Reed to improve wastewater infrastructure in West Warwick to prevent pollution from entering the Pawtuxet River and ensure Rhode Islanders have clean water.
The over $1.5 million in federal funding will go toward improving and renewing the system through inspections, tests, and cleaning of sewer interceptors, which is necessary to correct deficiencies and ensure the structural integrity of the collection system infrastructure.
“Clean water is essential for Rhode Island’s economy and quality of life,” said Representative Seth Magaziner. “Without proper funding and maintenance, wastewater systems could fail, potentially endangering the health of our communities and the environment. I’m proud to secure this grant with Senator Reed to ensure clean water for Rhode Islanders and keep this critical infrastructure up to date.”
“Our regional facility and system users appreciate the collaboration and hard work of Representative Magaziner and Senator Reed and their teams for securing this federal funding to invest in our collection system infrastructure to prolong its life and protect our environment from potential negative impacts. Preventative maintenance is paramount within our water systems,” said Mark A. Knott (Col. Ret.), Town Manager/Director of Public Safety of the Town of West Warwick.
Failure of the wastewater system could result in the release of millions of gallons of untreated sewage into the Pawtuxet River and Narragansett Bay, potentially impacting the health and safety of residents, and endangering wildlife and the environment.
The Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility serves over 20,000 residents in multiple communities including sections of Coventry, Warwick, West Greenwich, East Greenwich, Cranston, and all of West Warwick.
This funding is among 14 grant requests secured by Rep. Magaziner in the first tranche of government funding legislation for fiscal year 2024 that was signed into law by President Biden.
The full list of the 14 grants secured by Rep. Magaziner can be found here.