Environmental Firm Hired to Develop R.I.’s First Coastal Resilience Study

Federal funding cuts could make this an exercise in futility

By Staff / ecoRI News

The global built environment design consultancy Arup has been chosen to conduct the state’s first comprehensive coastal resilience study, the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank and the Department of Environmental Management recently announced.

The initiative stems from the 2024 passage of Act on Coasts legislation by the General Assembly, which amends the state’s climate plans to add a specific plan for coastal resiliency, and mandates it be updated every two years. 

Development of the plan outlined in the act falls under the state’s new chief resilience officer, Kim Korioth, who has until October 2025 to create a state coastal resilience plan and present it to state leaders, and who will have to begin updating the finished plan as soon as 2027.

The legislation mandates the development of a statewide plan to assess community vulnerabilities, recommend mitigation strategies along ocean and riverine coasts, and identify financing sources to implement resiliency efforts. The study will address concerns including sea level rise, increased storm frequency and precipitation, warming air and water temperatures, and changing biodiversity.

Arup was selected following a competitive public bidding process led by the Infrastructure Bank and DEM. Arup subcontracted experts on the project, including Fuss & O’Neil, CIVIC, and Camoin Associates.

“From more frequent floods and overwhelmed stormwater systems, to accelerating coastal erosion, Rhode Island’s communities are already feeling the impacts of climate change,” Infrastructure Bank executive director William Fazioli said. “This new comprehensive coastal resilience study will give us detailed insights into vulnerable municipal infrastructure, and options to improve resilience.”

DEM director Terry Gray said the Ocean State’s “shoreline is fundamental to the identity and vitality of our coastal communities. It supports our fishing industry, sustains local livelihoods, and serves as a major engine for tourism and economic growth. This study is more critical than ever as we seek to understand and implement the infrastructure solutions needed to strengthen our coastal resilience.”

The Arup coastal resilience study will include a series of community workshops, with the first scheduled for June 18. Upcoming announcements on plan development and engagement will be shared on ClimateChange.RI.gov.