Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies

April 3, 2009
Block Island Harbor of Refuge
Amount Requested: $ 600,000
Shoaling in the entrance channel of Block Island Harbor is beginning to impact navigation in to and out of the harbor.  This funding will support the Army Corps of Engineers in dredging approximately 15,000 cubic yards of sandy material from the entrance channel to return the project to its authorized dimensions.
  Recipient's address: Army Corps of Engineers New England District, 696 Virginia Road, Concord, Massachusetts 01742

April 3, 2009
Brown-Draper Energy Collaboration Fuel Cell
Amount Requested: $ 1 million
Brown University has joined with Draper Laboratory to form a Collaborative (the Brown-Draper Energy Collaborative) to research and develop a prototype fuel cell based on novel molecular, nanoscale, and bio-inspired active catalysts.  Brown University, working with Draper Laboratory, is uniquely positioned to carry research outcomes from the laboratories to the marketplace.  The close collaboration of researchers enables them to rapidly test new catalysts under the realistic conditions of the consumer devices.  They will build a prototype device that can be scaled up to a household size, which could dramatically impact our nation's energy structure.
  Recipient's address: Brown University P.O. Box 1937, Providence, Rhode Island, 02912

April 3, 2009
City of Providence - Parks Department
Amount Requested: $ 1 million
This funding will allow for continued dredging and restoring the navigability of the Providence River through downtown Providence.  Specifically, the funding would be used for engineering, dredging, disposal, and permanent drainage improvements.  This project will enhance the lives of the 175,000 residents of Providence and the 900,000 annual visitors who enjoy river related events, including the nationally renowned WaterFire events.
  Recipient's address: 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island, 02907

April 3, 2009
Little Narragansett Bay
Amount Requested: $ 200,000
This funding will be used to continue previously authorized activities surrounding the Army Corps of Engineers’ work in Little Narragansett Bay.  Specifically, this funding will allow the Corps to complete the environmental assessment and prepare plans and specifications for maintenance and dredging of Little Narragansett Bay.  Environmental assessments provide both public and private entities with valuable information on how to protect the surrounding area and ecosystem before moving forward with a planned project.
  Recipient's address: Army Corps of Engineers - New England District, 696 Virginia Road, Concord, Massachusetts 01742

April 3, 2009
University of Rhode Island - Regional Earth Systems Institute
Amount Requested: $ 1 million
The URI Regional Earth Systems Institute (RESI) will develop a comprehensive, quantitative, risk assessment model that will analyze interactions among humans and the regional climate system.  RESI will study the causes of local, state, and regional climate change and potential social and environmental consequences, with a focus on resource management.  It will also offer unique competitive undergraduate educational programs for attracting and training students entering the "green" workforce.  RESI will invest in a public outreach program and leverage the URI programs already in place, as well as serve as a model for other regions to adapt to climate change.
  Recipient's address: Green Hall, 35 Campus Avenue, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881