PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island is getting $317,000 in federal funds for environmental job training and urban watershed restoration.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the grants Tuesday at an event attended by Gov. Lincoln Chafee, Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and members of the state’s congressional delegation.
Some $200,000 of the money will go to Groundwork Providence to train 54 people for jobs in environmental fields like wastewater management, lead abatement and underground storage tank maintenance. The group intends to recruit unemployed and underemployed people for the training.
The remaining funds will go toward efforts to restore urban water quality. Groups working to assess river water quality will receive $57,000, and $60,000 will go to the Environmental Justice League for work to improve conditions at Mashapaug Pond, the last remaining natural pond in Providence. The large pond is near a former silver manufacturing plant, and has also been contaminated by runoff from nearby parking lots and streets.
U.S. Rep. David Cicilline called Mashapaug a “treasure” for nearby residents and said the grants will protect the pond while helping people find new careers in environmental protection. He was joined at Tuesday’s event by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed and U.S. Rep. James Langevin. All three are Democrats.
“It’s not only a key strategy for job creation but a key strategy for building sustainable communities,” Cicilline said.
