Posted on October 14, 2024
NARRAGANSETT, R.I. — The Narragansett Town Council unanimously approved Dredge Alternative 4 for the long-anticipated Narrow River Dredging Project during their meeting Monday night.
This land-based mechanical dredging plan will focus on clearing the river to improve water flow and address stagnant water issues. The material dredged will be placed near the site, pending approval from regulatory agencies.
The project’s estimated cost ranges between $771,040 and $1.25 million, with financing options to be explored.
Town Council President Ewa Dzwierzynski summarized, “A work session was held on Oct. 5, 2024, with the Town Council and Foth Engineering. The report and recommendations for the dredging of Narrow River were reviewed, with three options provided by Foth. The cost estimates for the three options were substantial, and it was evident that there is significant community interest on this topic.”
The council opted for Alternative 4 after consultations with key stakeholders, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who recommended this option over Alternative 5 due to concerns about the local piping plover habitat near the dunes.
“I did think that originally that Alternative 5 with the dunes would have been a greater option,” said Dzwierzynski. “However, when we had the discussion with the Fish and Wildlife Service, they raised concerns about the dunes because there is a piping plover habitat there.”
The decision to move forward with Alternative 4 was seen as a compromise that balances environmental concerns with the need to begin dredging.
