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Magaziner Secures House Passage of Funding for Water Projects in Cranston and Westerly

July 25, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) celebrated the House passage of federal funding requested by Magaziner yesterday totaling $1,779,996 for projects in Cranston and Westerly.

“As your Representative, I am fighting in Congress to ensure Rhode Island receives its fair share of federal funding,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “This community project funding will go toward flood mitigation efforts in Cranston and sewer upgrades in Westerly that will reduce pollutants entering waterways and increase water quality for residents.”

The following projects passed the House as part of the Interior, Environment and Related agencies appropriations bill, and will now be considered in the Senate for final passage.

  1. $1,105,800 for the City of Cranston to install rain gardens and other stormwater management measures on Garden Street in Cranston, an area that is prone to flooding.
  2. $674,196 for the Town of Westerly to be used to reline sewer pipes to protect the Pawcatuck River and its tributaries from being exposed to untreated effluent and ensure clean water for residents.

“The Garden Street Flood Mitigation Project aligns with Cranston’s commitment to proactive disaster preparedness, reflecting our city’s dedication to creating a safer and more resilient community for all its residents,” Mayor Ken Hopkins said. “Thank you, as always, to Rep. Magaziner for his advocacy getting this federal funding approved by his fellow Members of the House.” 

“The Town of Westerly Utilities Division has been working on rehabilitating our entire sewer infrastructure,” said Shawn Lacey, Town Manager of Westerly. “Currently, we have 7,600 ft of sewer main and approximately 30 manhole structures that need to be relined. This funding will allow us to continue our relining program, which is beneficial to the entire community. We thank Rep. Magaziner for his work in securing this federal funding for Westerly’s residents.”

Magaziner also noted that the bill also included several unrelated provisions authored by House Republicans to cut vital funding for environmental protection. While the inclusion of those provisions compelled Magaziner to vote against the bill in its current form, he is pleased that his request for funding these Rhode Island projects was included in the legislation.