Speaker Shekarchi applauds $4.37 million to modernize Warwick’s wastewater infrastructure
Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi joined U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and city officials today at Oakland Beach to celebrate the awarding of $4.37 million in federal funds to modernize local water infrastructure and improve beach water quality for Rhode Islanders.
The three Congressionally Directed Spending awards approved for the Warwick Sewer Authority are part of an ongoing effort to upgrade Warwick’s wastewater treatment facilities. At Oakland Beach, a $1.44 million earmark will support the rehabilitation and relining of the force main, and a $2.4 million earmark will fund construction of a new flood-resistant pump station. The current pump station is over 40 years old and prone to flooding and power loss during coastal storms. A third $536,000 earmark will help modernize and expand the capacity of the Apponaug pump station, which provides service for nearly 1,400 sewer connections.
“I thank both Senators Reed and Whitehouse for once again delivering for the people of Warwick,” said Shekarchi (D-District 23, Warwick). “Whether it’s cleaner water, transportation dollars or support for all quality of life issues, they continue to secure critical funding for Warwick residents and all Rhode Islanders.”
Reed and Whitehouse previously secured a $1.5 million federal earmark in FY2022 to modernize the Warwick Sewer Authority’s system that provides round-the-clock monitoring of the city’s wastewater treatment facility’s operations and forty-nine remote pumping stations.
“This is a strategic, multi-pronged investment to strengthen Warwick’s wastewater system for residents and businesses alike. These improvements to Warwick’s water infrastructure will help to strengthen public health, boost water quality, and ensure cleaner beaches and a healthier environment,” said Reed.
“We are pleased to help secure federal investments that support Warwick’s infrastructure and protect the health of Rhode Islanders,” said Whitehouse. “This new funding will modernize Warwick’s aging wastewater system and help keep Oakland Beach and Narragansett Bay clean for residents to enjoy.”
The Warwick Sewer Authority was created in 1962. Today, there are nearly 400 miles of sanitary sewer lines and 49 sewage pump stations within the City used to convey wastewater.
“Warwick is an old city with aging infrastructure that needs to be addressed,” said Mayor Frank Picozzi. “Senators Whitehouse and Reed have worked hard to secure funds so that we can replace and modernize our sewer system. This will not only help the quality of life here in our city, it will help keep our waters and environment cleaner.”
Reed and Whitehouse helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021. The legislation is delivering the largest investment in water infrastructure in American history, including about $500 million for clean and drinking water infrastructure in Rhode Island over five years.
“On behalf of the WSA I would like to extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to Senator Reed and Senator Whitehouse who continue to advocate for funding Warwick’s sewer infrastructure projects,” said Betty Anne Rogers, Executive Director of the Warwick Sewer Authority. “Their tireless efforts in securing funding will allow us to complete these three critical sewer projects which will protect public health and the environment.”