U.S. EPA announces over $1 million in new awards to support climate resilience in Rhode Island and Massachusetts

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on October 25, 2024, over $1 million in new awards through the Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Opportunity to Advance Resilience (SOAR) Fund.

The SOAR Fund streamlines the federal grant process and encourages new applicants and community-based organizations to apply. Made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), EPA has committed to investing a minimum of $5 million through the SOAR Fund to disadvantaged communities by 2027.

The funding reaffirms EPA’s commitment to advancing environmental justice under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 initiative.

To date, EPA’s SOAR Fund has awarded $2.3 million for nine projects across eight disadvantaged communities in Rhode Island and southeast Massachusetts, including three first-time applicants.

2024 EPA SOAR funding

The 2024 round of funding awards a total of $1,052,460 to four projects, including two first-time applicants:

Voces fuertes (strong voices) for the water table

Award: $300,000 | Grantee: Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council

Location: Providence, RI

• • This project will deliver training and workforce programs through Nuevas Voces and Campeones de Combate Climático, engaging Spanish-speaking residents in climate leadership and preparedness while creating pipelines to high-wage jobs.

Climate resiliency training and employment to address community needs

Award: $300,000 | Grantee: Groundwork Rhode Island

Location: Providence, RI

• • In partnership with city agencies, this project will implement two workforce programs: Storm Crew (stormwater management) and Canopy Crew (urban forestry), providing hands-on training and employment opportunities, particularly for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Protecting the watershed with trees

Award: $152,460 | Grantee: Newport Tree Conservancy (First-time applicant)

Location: Newport, RI

• • This initiative will expand tree canopies in Newport's North End and engage residents in stewardship and advocacy to address environmental injustices, improving community well-being and resilience.

Workforce development for sustainable southcoast communities

Award: $300,000 | Grantee: Groundwork Southcoast (First-time applicant)

Location: New Bedford and Fall River, MA

• • The Green Corps program will train youth aged 18-26 in green infrastructure and climate solutions, building community resilience through hands-on projects and developing local leadership.

2023 EPA SOAR funding

The 2023 previous round of funding awarded a total of $1,274,926 to five projects, including one first-time applicant:

Westerly's resilient riverfront renewal

Award: $300,000 | Grantee: Southern Rhode Island Conservation District

Location: Westerly, RI

• • This project aims to improve the health of the Pawcatuck River watershed with nature-based stormwater solutions and engage residents in long-term workforce training and environmental stewardship.

Crescent Park Beach reopening

Award: $300,000 | Grantee: Rhode Island Department of Health

Location: East Providence, RI

• • This award supports reopening Crescent Park Beach as a public swimming area for the first time in over 100 years, offering safe outdoor recreation during increasingly hot summers.

Understanding urban flooding and finding solutions

Award: $300,000 | Grantee: City of Providence

Location: Providence, RI

• • This project will model flood risks in vulnerable neighborhoods and develop mitigation strategies in collaboration with community organizations to build long-term resilience.