WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced the release of the Pocasset River Floodplain Management Study. Sedimentation, erosion, and lack of basic floodwater prevention infrastructure have resulted in persistent flooding along the Pocasset River over the past 50 years. This study, along with a nearly completed Watershed Plan, will determine the extent and severity of the flooding; develop new flood plain maps for the Pocasset River; and begin to offer solutions to help mitigate and prevent flooding. The watershed covers 13,200 acres with flooding affecting communities in Johnston (70%), Cranston (29%), and Providence (1%).

In the past few years, Senator Reed secured more than $500,000 in federal funding for the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to carry out the floodplain study and to complete the Watershed Plan.

"I am pleased to announce the release of the Pocasset floodplain study. This study will help the NRCS determine how best to mitigate and prevent flooding along the Pocasset River," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees federal funding for watershed programs. "Improved flood control will prevent damage to homes and businesses, save homeowners and businesses money, bolster the local economy, protect the environment, and eliminate health risks caused by flooding. Mayor Napolitano, Mayor Polisena, and the citizens of Cranston and Johnston have been an important part of moving this process forward and they will continue to be essential to developing a long-term solution."

Flooding along the Pocasset River system has damaged homes, businesses, roads, and bridges; caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in economic loses; and posed serious environmental and health hazards associated with chemical spills and sewage backup from flood waters rapidly entering homes and businesses. The study was carried out in partnership with the Town of Johnston and the City of Cranston. The plan is being carried out in cooperation with these two sponsors as well as the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), the Northern Rhode Island Conservation District (NRICD), and Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (REIMA).

"On behalf of NRCS, I would like to thank Senator Reed for his help in making the Watershed plan and study possible. We look forward to working with local communities to develop solutions that will prevent and control flooding along the Pocasset River," said Roylene Rides at the Door, USDA NRCS State Conservationist.

NRCS recommendations for the plan include elevating or flood proofing properties; building flood walls; installing storm basins to control flooding; developing early flood warning systems; and restoring watershed wetlands.

The Small Watershed Program assists federal, state, and local agencies as well as local government sponsors, tribal governments, and program participants protect watersheds from damage caused by erosion, floodwater, and sediment. Funding for the Small Watershed Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Since its inception, the program has funded over 11,000 structures across the country.

To request a copy of the report, please call the NRCS Rhode Island office at (401) 828-1300, ext. 844.