The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced more than $1 million in new awards through the Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Opportunity to Advance Resilience (SOAR) Fund. The announcement was made in Providence, Rhode Island, with U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo, and other state and local partners present.
These latest awards bring the total amount allocated through the SOAR Fund to $2.3 million for projects aimed at enhancing climate resilience in disadvantaged communities across Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts. This funding initiative is part of a broader commitment by the EPA to invest at least $5 million by 2027 under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
David W. Cash, EPA New England Regional Administrator, stated, "Everyone deserves the opportunity to live in a community that is safe, healthy, and resilient." He emphasized the importance of working directly with communities most affected by climate change.
U.S. Senator Jack Reed noted that this federal funding will support four innovative projects aimed at boosting resilience in communities impacted by climate change while building a skilled workforce for future efforts.
The recent round of funding includes awards for projects such as Voces Fuertes for the Water Table led by Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council in Providence, Climate Resiliency Training by Groundwork Rhode Island also in Providence, Protecting the Watershed with Trees by Newport Tree Conservancy in Newport, and Workforce Development for Sustainable Southcoast Communities by Groundwork Southcoast covering New Bedford and Fall River.
In addition to these new initiatives, previous rounds of funding have supported projects like Westerly's Resilient Riverfront Renewal and Crescent Park Beach Reopening among others.
EPA's SOAR Fund aligns with Justice40 initiative goals to ensure federal investments benefit historically underserved communities. Applications for the next round of SOAR funding are expected to open in Spring 2025.
For further information on SNEP and future opportunities under SOAR Fund visit www.epa.gov/snep.
