PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Jack Reed says Rhode Island has been awarded federal funding to monitor water quality at beaches.
The Rhode Island Democrat said Monday that he worked to fund the program after Republican President Donald Trump’s budget proposed cuts to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which awards the grants.
Reed discussed water monitoring in Bristol, Rhode Island with environmental officials. Nationally, $9.3 million was allocated, of which Rhode Island is getting $201,500.
There have been temporary closures at beaches recently due to elevated bacteria.
Reed says the federal funding will help Rhode Island ensure that water is safe and clean, and inform the public.
The Obama administration had also proposed cutting EPA funding for beach monitoring.
Rhode Island has received more than $2 million in grants in the past decade.
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