WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that a Conference Committee has approved legislation including $6.4 million in federal funding for Rhode Island alternative energy, flood prevention, and water restoration initiatives he requested as part of the 2010 Energy and Water Development spending bill. This kind of research holds the potential for Rhode Island to begin creating new "green" jobs.

"Reliable, affordable energy is vital to the economy and our national security. This bill contains $1.5 million in federal funding to help researchers at URI develop smart energy solutions that could eventually provide consumers with greater access to cheaper, cleaner, renewable energy solutions, as well as $1.5 million for clean fuel research at Brown University," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. "This bill will also help restore Rhode Island's coastal habitats, clean up our waterways, and ensure that local communities have the infrastructure in place to protect local business and homes from flooding."

This bill provides $210 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program, including $180 million in formula grants to states. Senator Reed led an effort that restored $50 million to the formula program, the federal government's largest residential energy conservation effort. This means more Rhode Islanders and Americans across the country will save on their energy bills this fall and winter.

"Weatherization is a cost effective way to help families save on their heating bills and reduce our nation's dependence on imported fossil fuels. This is a forward-looking program that will allow more Rhode Islanders to insulate their homes and save money," concluded Reed.
The Conference Committee that approved this spending bill was comprised of Senate and House members who were selected to reconcile the differences in legislation that had passed both chambers. Reed helped shepherd this bill's passage first through the Senate Appropriations subcommittee, followed by the full Senate Appropriations Committee, and then through Conference as an appointed conferee to the Conference Committee. The reconciled bill must now pass both the Senate and the House before going to President Obama's desk to be signed into law.

Reed secured funding in the 2010 Energy and Water Development spending bill for several key Rhode Island projects, including:

$1.5 million
Genetic Improvement of Switchgrass
University of Rhode Island, Kingston

This federal funding will enable the University of Rhode Island to continue research on the genetic improvements to switchgrass to improve its ability to serve as a source for biofuels. Reed secured similar funding in fiscal years 2008 and 2009.

$1.5 million
Fuel Cell Research
Brown University, Providence

This federal funding will enable Brown University's Department of Energy and Science to partner with Draper Laboratories of Cambridge, Massachusetts to develop a prototype fuel cell that does not contain expensive or potentially toxic heavy metals. Reed secured this funding with Rhode Island's congressional delegation.

$1.2 million
Block Island Harbor of Refuge
New Shoreham

This federal funding will enable the Army Corps of Engineers to complete repairs to the bulkhead within the Block Island Harbor of Refuge. Reed secured this funding with Congressman Langevin.

$750,000
South Coastal Rhode Island Regional Sediment Management
Wakefield

The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council requested this funding for the Army Corp of Engineers to study and map the sediment management system. This will allow for hazard reduction planning along the South Coast of Rhode Island.

$475,000
Fox Point Hurricane Barrier
Providence

This federal funding will enable the Army Corps of Engineers to operate and maintain the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier, which protects tens of thousands of people and approximately $5 billion worth of property.

$285,000
Point Judith Harbor of Refuge
Point Judith

This federal funding will allow the Army Corp of Engineers to develop a plan to restore and repair the breakwater as part of the Point Judith Harbor of Refuge Federal Navigation Project. Portions of the breakwater have eroded and fallen into the ocean. Parts of the center breakwater are submerged at high tide, making navigation perilous.

$200,000
Great Salt Pond
New Shoreham

This federal funding will enable the Army Corps of Engineers to assess and plan for the removal of 150,000 cubic yards of sediment from the federally-maintained navigation channel at Great Salt Pond on Block Island.

$193,000
Pawcatuck River and Little Narragansett Bay
Westerly

This federal funding will enable the Army Corp of Engineers to complete an environmental assessment and prepare plans and specifications for maintenance dredging. Once completed, the channel will support significant commercial and recreational vessel traffic, benefitting several marinas, boatyards, and commercial fishing vessels along the Pawcatuck River. Reed secured this funding with Congressman Langevin.

$190,000
Woonsocket Local Protection Project
Woonsocket

This federal funding will enable the Army Corp of Engineers to operate and maintain the federal flood protection project in Woonsocket. The project provides protection to approximately half of the city's industrial properties as well as homes, commercial establishments, extensive transportation facilities, and public utilities. Reed secured this funding with Congressman Kennedy.

$144,000
Providence Harbor Shipping Channel
Providence

This federal funding will enable the Army Corps of Engineers to continue work to support the maintenance of the Upper Providence River. Reed secured this funding with Rhode Island's congressional delegation.