BOSTON (Aug. 14, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today celebrated a $210,000 grant to the Rhode Island Department of Health aimed at protecting beachgoers' health. This funding is part of a $9.75 million national grant initiative announced in June to support coastal and Great Lakes communities with water quality monitoring and public notification programs for beaches.
At an event held at Goddard Memorial State Park Beach in Warwick, Rhode Island, EPA Deputy Regional Administrator Karen McGuire highlighted the benefits this funding brings to the state.
"On summer days, everyone deserves clean safe beaches. The funding announced today ensures beachgoers know when waters are safe for swimming and recreation at Goddard Memorial State Park Beach and beaches along Rhode Island's coast," said McGuire. "The BEACH Act grant provides critical information about the health of our waters which is especially important to Rhode Islanders who depend on them."
U.S. Senator Jack Reed emphasized the importance of clean beaches for both the economy and public health: "Clean, safe beaches are essential to both our economy and public health. I helped support, pass, and fund the BEACH Act because it helps states and local communities team up to protect swimmers and our waters by collecting, testing, and posting water quality sample results. These federal BEACH Act funds are essential for Rhode Island's Beach Monitoring Program."
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse expressed gratitude towards the EPA: "Keeping our beautiful Narragansett Bay clean is a high priority, and I'm grateful to the EPA for supporting local water quality monitoring. This investment will help assure Rhode Islanders and summer visitors to the Ocean State that they'll be healthy and safe as they get out on the water."
Congressman Seth Magaziner also voiced his support: "Rhode Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and we deserve to enjoy our state's waters with peace of mind. This federal funding will help protect public health and keep coastal waters clean and safe for Rhode Islanders and visitors alike."
Congressman Gabe Amo underscored the responsibility towards beach safety: "We have a responsibility to make sure that Rhode Islanders and our Ocean State visitors can safely swim in our waters. This federal funding from the Environmental Protection Agency will help more people make memories on our famous shorelines. I am glad we can improve our water quality to protect our beachgoers and ensure that they shine for generations to come."
Warwick Mayor Frank J. Picozzi thanked the EPA: "Warwick is surrounded by 39 miles of beautiful coastline, and keeping our waters safe for beachgoers is a huge priority. I want to thank the Environmental Protection Agency for awarding Rhode Island with this grant to help make sure the quality of our state beaches is protected for years to come."
This grant supports programs that inform beachgoers when coastal waters are safe for swimming under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act. The EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants to aid local government partners in monitoring water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches.
Since 2001, nearly $230 million has been awarded through BEACH Act grants nationwide—approximately $5 million allocated specifically to Rhode Island—and over $26 million distributed across New England.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee commented on how this grant enhances safety measures: "Rhode Island's beaches are part of what makes our state great, and we want everyone to be safe while enjoying them," he said. "This grant empowers us to better monitor water quality and ensure the health and well-being of swimmers and beachgoers for years to come."
RIDOH Director of Health Jerry Larkin emphasized collaboration: "Rhode Island's hundreds of miles of coastline are at the economic, environmental, and cultural heart of our state," he stated. "This grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will allow RIDOH's Beach Monitoring Program...to work together ensuring safety throughout Rhode Island."
RIDEM Director Terry Gray noted how crucial this funding is: "The Ocean State is home to many awesome saltwater beaches...this federal funding will critically support water quality monitoring at swimming facilities throughout the state," he said.
EPA’s 2024 BEACH Act grant funding allocations include:
- 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
More information on BEACH Act grants can be found on their respective websites.
