2025 SNEP Watershed Implementation Grantees
In 2025, SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants awarded $2.8 million to support 14 high-impact projects in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Here’s a list of the grants:
Rhode Island Grants
Audubon Society of Rhode Island, Stormwater Innovation Center, Carp Management and Water Quality Restoration Demonstration Project, $254,253
The Stormwater Innovation Center is an ongoing partnership between Audubon Society of RI and City of Providence, centered at Roger Williams Park, to restore water quality while building capacity for stormwater management statewide. This pilot project will explore the potential for improving water quality in the RWP lakes by removing invasive fish. The results of this project will have application for urban lake management throughout New England and beyond.
City of Pawtucket, Daggett Avenue Green Infrastructure Corridor, $250,000
Pawtucket is redeveloping an urban boulevard as a greenway, with new street trees, plantings, stormwater infrastructure, reduced pavement and bikeway connections. The project will reduce road flooding, foster climate resilience, and improve water quality in the Ten Mile River system. Grant covers both design and construction elements.
Wood Pawcatuck Watershed Association, Hillsdale Road Culvert Replacement (Beaver River) Construction Phase, $399,960
WPWA in partnership with the Town of Richmond will replace an undersized road culvert on the Beaver River in order to restore aquatic habitat and reduce flooding. Design and engineering are complete; this grant will fund a portion of permitting and construction costs. The project will restore fish and wildlife in the Wood Pawcatuck watershed while fostering resilience to flooding.
Groundwork Rhode Island, Integrating Nature-based Stormwater Infrastructure into Small Footprint Education and Recreation Spaces, $10,000
Grant will fund design and engineering for improved stormwater management at Sacred Heart Park. When complete the project will reduce road flooding and restore water quality and habitat in the Blackstone River.
RI Dept. of Environmental Management, Office of Water Resources, Lake Management to Protect RI Watersheds from Invasive Hydrilla, $250,000
Grant will address the spread of invasive hydrilla plants in fresh water systems by 1) supporting treatment in Indian Lake, Worden Pond and Lake Mishnock; and 2) establishing a system to reduce the spread of invasives at state boat ramps, with greeters and signage to better educate boaters.
City of Providence, Providence Stormwater and Sewer Utilities Pre-Implementation Project, $312,000
Support the City in developing and implementing a more sustainable and equitable system for financing the maintenance of stormwater infrastructure throughout the City. When fully implemented, the project will reduce road flooding, improve water quality in Narragansett Bay, and will serve as a model for communities throughout RI and the SNEP region.
Massachusetts Grants
Buzzards Bay Coalition, Jack’s Marsh Coastal Wetland Restoration, $496,500
Design, engineering and permitting prior to construction of an 11-acre salt marsh restoration. When completed, the project will restore fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and improve coastal resilience on Buzzards Bay.
Center for Coastal Studies, Debris Removal from Inhabited and Uninhabited Islands, $207,147
Large-scale project to remove derelict fishing gear (ghost gear) from shores and underwater areas of Massachusetts islands. The work wil restore coastal ecosystems by removing sources of pollution and hazards to marine life. Through data collection and outreach, the project will also support efforts to better manage fishing gear and reduce ghost gear in the future throughout SE New England waters and beyond.
Association to Preserve Cape Cod, Weir Creek Salt Marsh Restoration, $215,037
Design, engineering and permitting to restore 120-acre salt marsh. When completed, the project will restore fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and improve coastal resliience in the Weir Creek estuaries and coastal waters South of Cape Cod.
Rehoboth Land Trust, Adapting to Sea Level Rise at Mason Street Conservation Area, $53,551
Design, engineering and permitting of tidal tributary restoration. When completed, the project will restore fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and improve coastal resilience on Upper Narragansett Bay.
New Bedford Parks and Recreation, Riverside Salt Marsh Restoration, $50,000
Design, engineering and permitting for restoration of small salt marsh in Riverside Park, New Bedford. When completed, the project will restore fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and improve coastal resilience on Buzzards Bay.
Town of Swansea, Cole River Dam Removal Conceptual Design, $105,000
Design and engineering for restoration of a tidal river by removing a small dam on the Cole River, Swansea. When completed, the project will restore estuarine habitat, improve water quality, and improve coastal resilience on Upper Narragansett Bay.
The Trustees of Reservations, Barrier Beach and Salt Marsh Resilience on MA Island Communities, $100,000
Design, engineering and permitting to restore salt marsh habitat and foster coastal resilience along vulnerable barrier beach areas of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Old Colony Planning Council, Improving Water Quality through Natural Solutions and Community Education, $100,000
Design, engineering and pilot-scale construction of stormwater management designs in D.W. Field Park, Brockton. When completed, the project will reduce flooding, improve water quality, and improve outdoor recreation opportunities in Brockton.
