Reed Helps Deliver $1.2 million to Reduce Chronic Flooding Along Industrial Road in Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, RI – The Industrial Road area of Cumberland is a critical hub for business and economic development. But during times of heavy rainfall, this area has been prone to severe, chronic flooding, at times making the road impassable and causing economic damage and hardship for local businesses and the community. After years of work and collaboration, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today joined Cumberland Mayor Jeffrey Mutter, members of the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, and other community and business leaders to celebrate the completion of major stormwater infrastructure improvements with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. Senator Reed, a leading member of the Appropriations Committee, along with Senator Whitehouse and then-Congressman David Cicilline, secured a $1.2 million federal earmark for the project in the fiscal year 2023 appropriations law to help address chronic extreme flooding along Industrial Road in Cumberland’s largest commercial area and business park. Additionally, a $500,000 Municipal Resilience Action Grant was provided through the RI Infrastructure Bank for the $1,700,000 project. “I’m proud to have helped deliver $1.2 million to upgrade and modernize Industrial Road’s drainage system, which will now more effectively capture stormwater and reduce flooding -- improving reliability along this roadway for years to come. With the effects of climate change, we know that more and more flooding is coming to Rhode Island. So projects like this are critical to supporting our businesses and communities well into the future,” said Reed. “This federal funding is an important investment in economic development, the environment, and public safety. It won’t stop severe storms, but it should help prevent flooding and mitigate the damage.” Home to more than 30 businesses, Industrial Road has faced severe, recurring flooding that disrupts business operations and makes it difficult for Rhode Islanders to get to work. The newly completed stormwater drainage system is designed to better manage, reduce, treat, and recapture stormwater. These improvements will help mitigate future flood issues during heavy rainfall events while supporting the long-term resilience and functionality of the roadway and surrounding area. Reed noted that in addition the $1.2 million earmark for this project he worked to help secure $9.54 million for Cumberland in the American Rescue Plan Act and continues working to direct federal grants to the community for water infrastructure upgrades, drainage improvements, green infrastructure, flood resiliency, emergency preparedness, and other initiatives.