NEW SHOREHAM, RI – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) announced over $2.4 million in federal financing to help Block Island replace a decaying water main and ensure that residents have access to safe, clean, reliable drinking water. 

The funds are being provided through a grant and low-interest loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program.  It will consist of a federal grant of $1,059,788, along with a loan of $1,343,000 to be repaid at 1.875%.

The old main, which serves most of the Block Island Water Company’s customer base and the island’s downtown area, was discovered to be in poor condition when it was excavated after a water leak was found last July, according to the Block Island Times.  A leaking collar joint was found to be the source of the issue, but it was also discovered that the asbestos concrete pipe was deteriorating badly.

Although the leak was repaired, Block Island Water Company Superintendent John Breunig noted that “it changed the dynamic of the piping… there are sure to be more failures in the future,” adding that “a break 240 feet upstream of this failure would result in a service disruption of most of the distribution system (all of town).”

“This is good news for Block Island.  Upgrading this water main is a cost-effective investment that will protect public health, improve water quality, and benefit the whole community.  I commend Town Manager Kern and the dedicated professionals at the Block Island Water Company, and will continue working to ensure all Rhode Islanders have access to safe, clean, reliable drinking water,” said Senator Reed.

“With the assistance of Senator Reed’s office and the skill and hard work of many in New Shoreham, most prominently Superintendent Breunig and Finance Director Amy Land, this financing puts the community in position to pursue a crucial project that otherwise would be virtually impossible to fund given the present conditions,” said New Shoreham Town Manager Jim Kern.  “Our thanks to all who contributed.” 

The new water main will be installed from 364 High St. to 45 High St. on the west side of the street between the existing water main and sewer main.  The new 10-inch water main will connect to the existing structure on High St. in the vicinity of 45 High St.  The total length of the new water main will be approximately 3,800 linear feet.  A cap will also be installed in order to stop the water flow in the existing water main at 367 and 364 High St.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Reed worked to provide nearly $660 million for USDA’s Rural Development Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Fiscal Year 2020.  The program provides funding for clean drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas or areas with populations of 10,000 or less.