In December, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) awarded grants totaling $29,678 to two Rhode Island communities to fund removal of abandoned vessels from local waters.
The grants, awarded to the Town of Portsmouth and the Watch Hill Fire District in Westerly, are the latest in Rhode Island’s ongoing efforts to support the cleanup of marine debris that may threaten the environment and navigational safety.
The Town of Portsmouth received $23,400 for the removal of an abandoned vessel in waters off Blue Bill Cove.
The Watch Hill Fire District received $6,278 to fund removal of a second vessel on the shoreline of the Napatree Point Conservation Area; the boat had been destroyed by fire.
The grants were funded through Rhode Island’s Derelict and Abandoned Vessel and Obstruction Removal Account.
For more information on the Derelict and Abandoned Vessel and Obstruction Removal grant program, visit www.dem.ri.gov.
source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management