The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) celebrated a $210,000 grant to the Rhode Island Department of Health to protect the health of beachgoers.
The funding is part of $9.75 million in national grants, announced in June, to help coastal and Great Lake communities. The funding will support water quality monitoring and public notification programs for beaches.
An event was held at the Goddard memorial State Park Beach in Warwick, Rhode Island, on August 14, 2024. EPA Deputy Regional Administrator Karen McGuire attended the event and highlighted the positive power the funding provides for the state.
“On summer days, everyone deserves clean safe beaches,” said McGuire in a press release. “The funding announced today ensures beachgoers know when waters are safe for swimming and recreation at Goddard Memorial State Park Beach and beaches along Rhode Island’s coast.”
The grant will help fund programs to ensure beachgoers know when coastal waters are safe for swimming and recreation.
Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches.
When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies or their local partner will notify the public and post beach advisories or closings.
