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1/16/2024
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Tikoian, Costantino join Tassoni in calling on state and federal agencies for Woonasquatucket River flood plan
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STATE HOUSE — Sen. David P. Tikoian (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, Lincoln, North Providence) and Rep. Gregory J. Costantino (D-Dist. 44, Lincoln, Smithfield, Johnston) have joined Smithfield Town Councilman John J. Tassoni Jr. in calling on state and federal agencies to address flooding and overflow from the Woonasquatucket River that runs through several area of Smithfield, including the Esmond section of the town, caused by the recent intense windstorms and heavy rainfalls in the area.
The three elected officials are asking state leaders, as well as the Army Corp. of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to work with the state’s Departmental of Environmental Management to conduct a thorough review of the Woonasquatucket River that has caused road closures, fallen trees, and structural damage to nearby homes and businesses in the town.
Tassoni said that the first step in the plan should be to dredge the river, to allow for more unobscured water to flow in a safer direction away from the outer edges of the river. Additionally, he said that the river itself needs to be widened, and the riverbanks built up to catch more overflow.
“We need action now,” said Tassoni. “The health and safety of our residents is at stake. It is unacceptable.”
Flooded basements and parking lots seem to be the commonplace these days, he said, and flood insurance premiums have risen to the point of being unaffordable.
Tassoni said he is confident that the experts can develop a viable solution and enact the safety measures in a timely manner to help residents be safer during these extreme weather events.
“This is not just a life safety issue for the public, the disastrous effects of this flooding have major ramifications on the local economy and on taxpayers’ homes often causing them thousands and thousands of dollars in repairs and remediation,” said Senator Tikoian. “I spent the majority of this past weekend responding to calls from constituents, witnessing first-hand the devastation and loss they have suffered from the recent flooding, they need our help and they need it now.”
For more information, contact:
Greg Pare, Director of Communications for the Senate
State House Room 112
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 276-5558
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