In recent days, after two and a half months of hardly any rain, we've had some downpours reminiscent of March 2010. Remember that? There's a lot of street flooding around Rhode Island wherever it rains so heavily.
During the March 2010 record storm-induced floods, high flows damaged infrastructure upstream of the Anthony Mills and Concordia Manufacturing, LLC, which are located on the southern branch of the Pawtuxet River in Coventry, RI. In addition, severe bank erosion occurred along the Pawtuxet River banks and threatened the foundations of the mills.
Natural Resources Conservation Service has contributed most of the approximately $3.5 million it took to initially stabilize and then complete permanent repairs to the stream banks. You can read the whole story here. Or download the pdf and view the photos of the project from flood, to damaged building, to completion.
The project not only reduced soil erosion but it also generated jobs and tax revenue for Rhode Island. Local businesses were able to resume operations and continue providing employment to more than 40 employees. The net benefit of this project is approximately $2,300,000. In addition, the construction-related impact of the project generated an additional 40 direct jobs with an average annual salary of $53,500 which, in turn, will generate another 33 indirect jobs. It is estimated to result in over $500,000 in direct and indirect income taxes for Rhode Island.
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