Turning ‘eyesore into artwork’: Removal of Providence River barge to begin

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will begin removal of the crane-topped, derelict barge in the Providence River this week, according to DEM.

The project to remove the 400,000 pounds of marine debris, in the river since 2017, will be funded by a $1.5 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program.

These funds were provided to NOAA via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The barge is viewed as a ecological and navigational hazard, and limits recreational and economic activities.

Materials recovered from the barge’s hull will be utilized to built “community-informed art and amenities at the Public Street coastal right of way.”

This effort is in collaboration with the Steel Yard, a non-profit industrial art studio in Providence.

After the barge is removed, Save the Bay will host volunteer marine debris cleanups.

“I’m glad to see that the removal of this sunken barge is moving forward. Removing this eyesore and safety hazard has been a years-long effort,” said Senator Jack Reed.

“Finally getting this sunken barge out of the water is a big deal. I look forward to seeing what The Steel Yard, Save the Bay, and talented Rhode Island students will do to clean up the Providence River and turn the eyesore into artwork,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.