State officials call on agencies to address Woonasquatucket River flooding

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) – Rhode Island state officials are calling on state and federal agencies to address flooding from the Woonasquatucket River in several areas of Smithfield.

Senator David Tikoian and Representative Gregory Costantino have joined Smithfield Town Councilman John Tassoni Jr. in calling on agencies to address flooding caused by the recent storms in the area.

The three officials are asking state leaders to work with the state’s Department of Environmental Management to conduct a thorough review of the Woonasquatucket River.

The officials have also called on the Army Corp. of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to the Rhode Island General Assembly.

The Woonasquatucket River has caused road closures, fallen trees and structural damage to nearby homes and businesses in the town.

Smithfield wastewater teams rescued an elderly man who was swept away by the river last month.

“We need action now,” Tassoni stated. “The health and safety of our residents is at stake. It is unacceptable.”

Tassoni said that the first step should be to dredge the river, allowing for more water to flow in a safer direction away from its outer edges. He added that the river should also be widened, and the riverbanks built up to catch more overflow.

Tassoni expressed confidence that experts can develop a viable solution.

“I spent the majority of this past weekend responding to calls from constituents,” Tikoian continued. “Witnessing first-hand the devastation and loss they have suffered from the recent flooding, they need our help and they need it now.”