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Delegation Announces $18.2 Million for Water Infrastructure Improvements in Rhode Island

After reversing proposed cuts to clean water infrastructure programs, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline announced $18.2 million in federal funding for water infrastructure projects in Rhode Island. Administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the funding will go to two federal-state loan programs that supply local water systems with low-interest financing for projects that protect public health and environmental quality.

RI Congressional Delegation Urges Federal Energy Regulators to Properly Account for Renewable Energy Resources

U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline called on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to improve the methods for projecting electricity capacity and setting energy prices across New England.

Langevin, Reed Introduce Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act

Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Tom Reed (R-NY) have introduced the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2015, which would create expedited tax incentives for property owners to install automatic fire sprinkler systems. Companion legislation was introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tom Carper (D-DE)

State Arts Council Announces New Art Show at T.F. Green Airport

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) announced today that a new art exhibition, entitled THE LOQUACIOUS LINE, will be held from September 16, 2015 through January 3, 2016 at GREEN SPACE, a gallery at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick that presents the work of contemporary Rhode Island artists

DEM Director Coit to Celebrate Launch of New High-Tech Hydroponic Agriculture Facility in West...

Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit will participate in a ribbon-cutting event for a new hydroponic agriculture facility in West Kingston on Thursday, September 17. Atlantic Produce, Inc.'s new 8,435 square foot facility is the first commercial hydroponic greenhouse to operate in Rhode Island. The company will grow and distribute leafy green vegetables and herbs to local restaurants and grocery stores under the brand "Boston Greens"

Raimondo, Rhode Island Housing Launch ‘Ocean State Grad Grant’ to Attract Young Professionals to...

Governor Gina M. Raimondo today joined with representatives of Rhode Island Housing and Rhode Island College to launch Ocean State Grad Grant, a new program designed to encourage recent college graduates to make their home in Rhode Island.

New law protects right to hang religious artifacts in doorways

A new law passed by the General Assembly protects the right of tenants and condominium dwellers to hang religious artifacts in their doorways without interference from condo associations or landlords. The law, which was the result of legislation (2015-S 348A, 2015-H 5986A) sponsored by Sen. Joshua Miller and Rep. Aaron Regunberg and which Gov.

One Beach Closed to Swimming; Two Beaches in Warwick Re-Open to Swimming

The Department of Health recommends the closure of Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth to swimming due to high bacteria counts. Officials will continue to monitor the water quality and recommend re-opening when the areas are safe for swimming. Water quality analysis is conducted by the State Health Laboratory or a state certified laboratory

Agreement Ensures Groundwater Study at No. Smithfield, R.I. Superfund Site

The owner/operators and parties responsible for hazardous substance disposal at the Landfill & Resource Recovery Superfund Site in North Smithfield, R.I., have agreed to perform and pay for an investigation and study to evaluate the extent of, and cleanup options for, contaminated groundwater at the site

DEM and Arbor Day Foundation Announce New RI Energy Saving Trees Program

The Department of Environmental Management, through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the RI Tree Council and the RI Nursery and Landscape Association, will be providing 1,000 free trees to Rhode Island homeowners this fall.

Rep. Serpa to prefile legislation to help homeowners and businesses in wake of storm

Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick) has announced that she will prefile legislation in November for the next session of the General Assembly to assist homeowners and businesses that were adversely affected by a storm that ravaged Rhode Island communities on Aug. 4

Reed Statement on President Obama’s Clean Power Plan

U.S. Senator Jack Reed today released the following statement after President Barack Obama unveiled his “Clean Power Plan,” aimed at protecting public health, reducing energy bills for families and businesses, and bringing clean power to communities across the country while taking significant steps to limit carbon pollution generated by power plants

Sen. Whitehouse Praises Clean Power Plan

Today, as President Obama prepares to unveil his much-anticipated Clean Power Plan, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) held a press conference with National Grid Rhode Island President Tim Horan and RI Office of Energy Resources Commissioner Marion Gold to discuss how the plan will benefit people and businesses in Rhode Island and across the country.

ORA Releases its State 5% Hotel Tax Report for May 2015

The Office of Revenue Analysis released its report on the state 5% hotel tax. The report looks at the collection and disbursement of the state's 5% hotel tax which is levied on the rental of lodging for less than 30 consecutive days at the state's hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts

DEM Monitoring Fish Kill in the Seekonk and Providence Rivers

Scientists from the Department of Environmental Management are monitoring a large fish kill of adult menhaden in the Seekonk and Providence Rivers. Based on field observations and water quality measurements, the ongoing incident is being caused by low oxygen levels in the bottom waters.

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Rhode Island Treasury Reunited 8,860 People with $11.7 Million in Unclaimed...

The Office of Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner reunited 8,860 people with $11.7 million in unclaimed property in the fiscal year that ended on June 30

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Langevin, Whitehouse Highlight Bill to Invest $170 Million in Fixing RI...

Congressman Jim Langevin and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today joined with state, town, and labor officials by the Factory Bridge in West Warwick to call on Congress to pass the Strengthen and Fortify Existing (SAFE) Bridges Act. The SAFE Bridges Act was introduced in the Senate by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Whitehouse, and others last month and will be introduced in the House this week by Langevin. The bill would deliver up to $170 million to repair Rhode Island’s deficient and crumbling bridges and create construction jobs