EPA celebrates $210,000 in support of water quality monitoring at beaches in Rhode Island
BOSTON (Aug. 14, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) celebrated a $210,000 grant to the Rhode Island Department of Health to protect the health of beachgoers. This funding is part of $9.75 million in national grants, announced in June, to help coastal and Great Lakes communities. The funding will support water quality monitoring and public notification programs for beaches.
At an event held at the Goddard Memorial State Park Beach in Warwick, Rhode Island today, EPA Deputy Regional Administrator Karen McGuire spotlighted the positive power this funding provides for the state of Rhode Island.
"On summer days, everyone deserves clean safe beaches. The funding announced today ensures beachgoers know when waters are safe for swimming and recreation at Goddard Memorial State Park Beach and beaches along Rhode Island's coast." said EPA New England Deputy Regional Administrator Karen McGuire. "The BEACH Act grant provides critical information about the health of our waters which is especially important to Rhode Islanders who depend on them."
"Clean, safe beaches are essential to both our economy and public health. I helped support, pass, and fund the BEACH Act because it helps states and local communities team up to protect swimmers and our waters by collecting, testing, and posting water quality sample results. These federal BEACH Act funds are essential for Rhode Island's Beach Monitoring Program," said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, which oversees federal funding of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "There is an old saying: 'What gets measured gets managed.' This program ensures people are informed when temporary beach closures are warranted, and it is a smart investment in protecting public health and the health of our waterways."
"Keeping our beautiful Narragansett Bay clean is a high priority, and I'm grateful to the EPA for supporting local water quality monitoring," said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. "This investment will help assure Rhode Islanders and summer visitors to the Ocean State that they'll be healthy and safe as they get out on the water."
"Rhode Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and we deserve to enjoy our state's waters with peace of mind," said Congressman Seth Magaziner. "This federal funding will help protect public health and keep coastal waters clean and safe for Rhode Islanders and visitors alike."
"We have a responsibility to make sure that Rhode Islanders and our Ocean State visitors can safely swim in our waters." said Congressman Gabe Amo. "This federal funding from the Environmental Protection Agency will help more people make memories on our famous shorelines. I am glad we can improve our water quality to protect our beachgoers and ensure that they shine for generations to come."
"Warwick is surrounded by 39 miles of beautiful coastline and keeping our waters safe for beachgoers is a huge priority." said Warwick Mayor Frank J. Picozzi. "I want to thank the Environmental Protection Agency for awarding Rhode Island with this grant to help make sure the quality of our state beaches is protected for years to come."
This grant helps fund programs to ensure beachgoers know when our coastal waters are safe for swimming and recreation. Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies or their local partners notify the public and post beach advisories or closings.
Since 2001, EPA has awarded nearly $230 million in BEACH Act grants, with about $5 million to Rhode Island and over $26 million to New England, to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria and help with public notification and identification of the problem. This program is essential for protecting the health of beachgoers across the country.
"Rhode Island's beaches are part of what makes our state great, and we want everyone to be safe while enjoying them," said Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee. "This grant empowers us to better monitor water quality and ensure the health and well-being of swimmers and beachgoers for years to come. I'm thankful to the EPA and our congressional delegation for supporting our efforts to improve public health in the Ocean State."
"Rhode Island's hundreds of miles of coastline are at the economic, environmental, and cultural heart of our state," said RIDOH Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD. "This grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will allow RIDOH's Beach Monitoring Program and RIDOH's State Health Laboratories to work together to ensure the safety and accessibility of this invaluable resource for people throughout Rhode Island."
"The Ocean State is home to many awesome saltwater beaches and freshwater swimming facilities that draw people to the water, including Goddard Memorial State Park's popular public beach which attracts thousands of visitors each year as one of Rhode Island's most popular metropolitan parks," said RIDEM Director Terry Gray. "This federal funding will critically support water quality monitoring at swimming facilities throughout the state, helping keep them safe and accessible for Rhode Islanders seeking to cool off and recreate."
EPA's 2024 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following New England states, Tribes, and territories contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:
EPA Region 1
Connecticut Department of Public Health - $206,000
Maine Department of Environmental Protection - $254,000
Massachusetts Department of Public Health - $254,000
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services - $194,000
Rhode Island Department of Health - $210,000
More information on BEACH Act grants.
Rhode Island Department of Health Interactive Beach Monitoring Program