Reed, Whitehouse, Magaziner Deliver $2,080,000 Federal Earmark to Address Chronic Flooding in Johnston Center

JOHNSTON, RI - Overlooking the intersection of Atwood Avenue and Hartford Avenue on the steps of Johnston Town Hall, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner today joined Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. to deliver a $2 million federal earmark that will advance a flood mitigation project at this critical crossroad.

Persistent and damaging flooding around Johnston Center has impacted residents and commuters for decades. The town is putting $2,080,000 in federal funds to work on a flood mitigation project to strengthen flood related infrastructure in the area and reduce the economic and environmental impacts of significant rainfall events.

The federal earmark will help to reconfigure existing drainage infrastructure and more efficiently manage the flow of water around this intersection during and after significant rainfall events.

"This is good news for the residents of Johnston and those who rely on this important intersection to get to school, work, the market, or any of the local stores nearby. The federal earmark I helped secure with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Magaziner will help manage flooding and reduce the impact on local roads, businesses, and homes," said Senator Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee who has long worked with local officials and federal agencies to address flooding in the Pocasset River Watershed. In addition to this federal earmark, Reed has helped direct an additional $12 million in federal funds to bolster flood related infrastructure and assist homeowners throughout the watershed.

"The delegation has worked hard to make Johnston more resilient and to ensure residents have options for dealing with the frequent, severe flooding that has affected multiple areas of town," said Whitehouse, Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee. "We are delivering federal funding to support Mayor Polisena's effort to help small businesses stay open, minimize storm-related property damage, and keep residents safe on the roads."

"Every Rhode Islander deserves to know that their families, homes, and businesses are safe from extreme weather - yet too many Johnston residents know all too well the devastating impacts of flooding to their lives and livelihoods," said Rep. Seth Magaziner. "I'm proud to have partnered with Senators Reed and Whitehouse to deliver federal funding that will help mitigate flooding in Johnston and bring peace of mind to residents."

"Today marks a significant step forward for Johnston and our residents. This federal earmark will allow us to address the chronic flooding that has disrupted lives, businesses, and commutes for far too long. Our main intersection, where Hartford and Atwood Avenues meet, often becomes impassable during heavy rains, effectively splitting the town in two and limiting highway access. With this funding, we will implement innovative solutions like bioswales and install new piping under both streets, connecting to our existing detention ponds. While the layout of the area will look the same, its functionality during heavy rains will be vastly improved," said Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. "I want to thank Senator Reed, Senator Whitehouse, and Congressman Magaziner for their unwavering support and collaboration in securing these funds. Together, we are making Johnston stronger, more connected, and more resilient for the future."

According to the Town of Johnston, chronic flooding in this area has persistently forced the closure of portions of Atwood Avenue as well as access ramps to Route 6, sometimes for days at a time. These closures have impacted residents, commuters, and the health of the local economy and environment.

The flooding occurs when excess rain causes the Pocasset River to crest. Drainage issues along Atwood and Hartford Avenues have caused the area to be prone to flooding, with stormwater also flowing to lower-lying areas in the vicinity of Johnston Center.

With this federal earmark, the project being carried out by the Town of Johnston will allow for the temporary storage of stormwater runoff in oversized drainage pipes until storms pass and the nearby Pocasset River returns to its normal levels. Federal funds will also be used to strengthen connections from the improved drainage system to the town's water quality pond system.

Johnston also plans to incorporate water quality treatment within the improved drainage system to maintain a clean, safe water supply for the surrounding communities. By protecting the quality of the town's water supply and reducing flood-related closures and other impacts, this project will help position the town for increased economic growth.

Senators Reed and Whitehouse and Congressman Magaziner secured this earmark in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations law.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.