BOSTON (June 13, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $9.75 million in grant funding to support coastal and Great Lakes communities in protecting the health of beachgoers. This funding will aid states, Tribes, and territories in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches. Rhode Island is set to receive $210,000 from this program.
"It is such an exciting time of the year for everyone to get outdoors and head out to waterways to have fun and cool off. The last thing anyone wants to have to think about is if it's safe to go in the water," said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "With the BEACH Act funding, Massachusetts residents can have the peace of mind that our water quality at beaches is being monitored and protected, and we are all working together to make this summer the best it can be, and focus on splashing in the waves and soaking up the sun…with sunscreen, of course."
Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants. These grants help local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies notify the public by posting beach advisories or closings.
Since 2001, nearly $230 million in BEACH Act grants have been awarded by the EPA. These funds test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria, identify pollution sources, and help notify the public. Three factors influenced allocations for 2024: length of beach season, miles of shoreline, and populations of coastal counties.
To qualify for BEACH Act grants, entities must have coastal or Great Lakes recreational waters adjacent to public access points. They must also maintain a water quality standards program with EPA-approved numeric recreational water quality standards for coastal waters. Additionally, they must meet 11 performance criteria related to monitoring, assessment, and notification components.
The EPA's 2024 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated as follows:
EPA Region 1:
- Connecticut Department of Public Health - $206,000
- Maine Department of Environmental Protection - $254,000
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health - $254,000
- New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services - $194,000
- Rhode Island Department of Health - $210,000
For more information on BEACH Act grants or specific beach advisory details check relevant state or territorial websites.
