WASHINGTON, DC – The mighty Blackstone River, originally known as ‘Mishkittakooksepe’ by the Narragansett people, flows for 48 miles through Massachusetts and Rhode Island, ending at Pawtucket Falls in Rhode Island.  For centuries, the river has served as a lifeline to people living in the Blackstone Valley and continues to be rich in both history and biodiversity.  The river played a crucial role in transportation, irrigation, as a drinking source, and due to its unique elevation, as a source of hydro power during the Industrial Revolution.

In an effort to preserve and restore the Blackstone River and boost its resilience for future generations, U.S. Senators Jack Reed, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Congressman Gabe Amo today announced $1 million in federal funds for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) to study the river and identify solutions to restore its natural infrastructure.

The federal funds for RIDEM and its primary project partner, the Blackstone Watershed Collaborative, flow through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) America the Beautiful Grant Program. The project, “Kittacuck Restored: Planning for an Accessible, Connected, Resilient River,” aims to directly engage more than 50 local partners in developing a collective roadmap for watershed improvements along the Blackstone.

“The Blackstone River is a natural asset with tremendous cultural, historical, and ecological significance.  We’ve invested heavily in cleaning up the river and transforming it into a healthier habitat for people and wildlife. This new federal funding will help RIDEM and its partners take additional steps to safeguard aquatic habitats that support wildlife, improve water quality, and support resilient landscapes,” said Senator Reed.  “As climate change continues to impact our communities, it is critical that we invest in a better understanding of our changing environmental assets, like the Blackstone, and devise a plan to keep them healthy and safe for generations to come.”

“Rhode Island’s Blackstone River is a cradle of American manufacturing and an ecological treasure of our state,” said Whitehouse, a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee. “As we strengthen the Ocean State’s defenses against climate change, I’m pleased to see this funding engaging local partners to restore and preserve the Blackstone for future generations.”

“I’m thrilled that our delegation has secured federal funds to help the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management restore the Blackstone River,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “These resources will allow us to better understand and protect this icon of our state’s industrial history and strengthen our local ecosystem.”

“The Blackstone River is one of Rhode Island’s most important natural resources and is the birthplace of America’s industrial revolution. However, that industrial history also left a legacy of environmental challenges ranging from water quality impairments to dams and other barriers preventing native fish species from accessing critical habitat,” said DEM Director, Terry Gray. “This vital funding will help us gain a deeper understanding of how human impacts like water pollution and the impacts of climate change impact the Blackstone River and will enable us to identify solutions in partnership with community organizations to restore and safeguard this critical waterway. I am grateful for the continued support and commitment of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation.  Their leadership in championing projects like this is so critical in protecting and restoring our environment.”

Through the study, RIDEM will work with more than 50 local partners to increase understanding of the hydrology and hydraulics of the Blackstone River, known as ‘Kittacuck’ by the Nipmuc people; identify man-made dams that can be removed to increase water flow; and improve fishways and migration. The project will also identify parcels of land along the river that are best positioned to strengthen bank stabilization and reduce erosion, as well as opportunities to improve public access and portaging.

Climate change has had a drastic impact on critical aspects of the Blackstone River and its valley. While heavy flooding has caused significant erosion, riverbank failure, and reduced water quality in the river, recent drought conditions have also caused segments of the river to run dry. By studying the river’s flow and restoring key natural infrastructure, this funding will help develop a collective roadmap for watershed improvements.

The America the Beautiful Challenge Grant Program was created to streamline grant funding opportunities for voluntary conservation and restoration projects that invest in fish and wildlife habitat restoration, ecosystem and community resilience, conservation workforce development, and habitat corridors and connectivity throughout the country.