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Community Assistance Projects

Community Assistance Projects offer in-depth technical, financial and training assistance to municipalities, tribes and non-profits in the SNEP region. We solicit responses from SNEP communities that need in-depth assistance with established stormwater and restoration programs to advance their practice to the next level. Project tasks include stormwater planning and financing, climate resilience, low-impact development, green infrastructure, by-law review, and field assessments and engineering. 

Project Description Tables:

Click to view the map in ARCGIS Online Browser. 

2025

Community Assistance Projects 

Aquidneck Island Land Trust will receive the North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collborative culvert assessment training to build community capacity around aquatic connectivity through hands-on assessment of culverts, including documentation of culvert condition, type, and other data relevant for planning, including flood mitigation. Blackstone Watershed Collaborative and Save The Bay will lead 25 participants through a 3–4-day field-based training to assess 20+ culverts.

Auburn, MA will participate in the Stormwater Planning Series, a 6-month capacity building training and technical assistance program that leads communities through the process of designing and developing conceptual designs for stormwater retrofits and green infrastructure solutions. Communities will also receive engineering assistance to advance their designs up to 30%. The following SNEP Partners will lead this training: UNH Stormwater Center, Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NBNERR), Elizabeth Scott Consulting, Save The Bay, Blackstone Watershed Collaborative, Audubon Society Rhode Island/Stormwater Innovation Center, and NEEFC.

Barrington, RI will receive technical assistance to develop a stormwater enterprise fund feasibility study. SNEP Network partners Elizabeth Scott Consulting and NEEFC with additional support from URI.

Chatham, MA will receive technical assistance to update their wetlands protection bylaw and develop a coastal resilience bylaw along with related wetlands regulations to protect future development and enhance the resilience of existing natural resources. Cape Cod Commission will partner with the Town on this project.

East Greenwich, RI will receive support in identifying, prioritizing, and scoping resilience projects utilizing the Planning to Action Climate Toolkit (PACT Tool), developed by SNEP Network. This cohort-based technical assistance will be delivered in collaboration with SNEP Network partners Elizabeth Scott, Kimberly Groff, Blackstone Watershed Collaborative, The Nature Conservancy Rhode Island, Groundwork Rhode Island, NEEFC, and RI Department of Environmental Management.

Consultant: Throwe Environmental.

East Providence will participate in the Stormwater Planning Series, a 6-month capacity building training and technical assistance program that leads communities through the process of designing and developing conceptual designs for stormwater retrofits and green infrastructure solutions. Communities will also receive engineering assistance to advance their designs up to 30%. The following SNEP Partners will lead this training: UNH Stormwater Center, Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NBNERR), Elizabeth Scott Consulting, Save The Bay, Blackstone Watershed Collaborative, Audubon Society Rhode Island/Stormwater Innovation Center, and NEEFC.

Gosnold, MA will receive assistance in identifying, prioritizing, and scoping resilience projects utilizing the Planning to Action Climate Toolkit (PACT Tool), developed by SNEP Network. This cohort-based technical assistance will be delivered in collaboration with SNEP Network partners Elizabeth Scott Consulting, Kimberly Groff Consulting, NEEFC, and Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center.

Consultant: Throwe Environmental.

Lakeville, MA will receive technical assistance to update the Town’s Open Space Residential Design bylaw and related subdivision and zoning regulations utilizing low impact development bylaw best management practices. Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District will partner with the Town on this project.

The SNEP Network will continue to work with the MWT to support the Tribe in finalizing their non-point source assessment and management program plan. Kimberly Groff Consulting will continue to support the MWT on this project.

Marion, MA will receive technical assistance to convert their existing comprehensive wastewater management plan into a 9-Element Watershed-Based Plan. SRPEDD will partner with the town on this project.

Mattapoisett, MA will receive technical assistance to evaluate their existing stormwater management policies and priorities and to draft a stormwater bylaw. SRPEDD will partner with the town on this project with additional assistance from UNH Stormwater Center.

Newport, RI will receive support in identifying, prioritizing, and scoping resilience projects utilizing the Planning to Action Climate Toolkit (PACT Tool), developed by SNEP Network. This cohort-based technical assistance will be delivered in collaboration with SNEP Network partners Elizabeth Scott, Kimberly Groff, Blackstone Watershed Collaborative, The Nature Conservancy Rhode Island, Groundwork Rhode Island, NEEFC, and RI Department of Environmental Management.

Consultant: Throwe Environmental.

Pawtucket, RI will receive technical assistance to: 

(1) Support identifying, prioritizing, and scoping resilience projects utilizing the Planning to Action Climate Toolkit (PACT Tool), developed by SNEP Network. This cohort-based technical assistance will be delivered in collaboration with SNEP Network partners Elizabeth Scott, Kimberly Groff, Blackstone Watershed Collaborative, The Nature Conservancy Rhode Island, Groundwork Rhode Island, NEEFC, and RI Department of Environmental Management. Consultant: Throwe Environmental.

(2) complete conceptual designs through participation in the Stormwater Planning Series, a 6-month capacity building training and technical assistance program that leads communities through the process of designing and developing conceptual designs for stormwater retrofits and green infrastructure solutions. Communities will also receive engineering assistance to advance their designs up to 30%. The following SNEP Partners will lead this training: UNH Stormwater Center, Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NBNERR), Elizabeth Scott Consulting, Save The Bay, Blackstone Watershed Collaborative, Audubon Society Rhode Island/Stormwater Innovation Center, and NEEFC. 

The City of Providence, RI will continue to receive technical assistance to advance Sustainable Funding and Financing for Providence’s Stormwater and Sewer Management. Elizabeth Scott Consulting, NBNERR, and NEEFC will partner with the city on this effort.

Westport, MA will receive technical assistance to assess the Westport River salt marsh conditions, identify risks associated with marsh island loss, and conceptualize nature-based solutions that slow marsh degradation. Mass Audubon will partner with the town on this project.

West Warwick will receive the North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collborative culvert assessment training to build community capacity around aquatic connectivity through hands-on assessment of culverts, including documentation of culvert condition, type, and other data relevant for planning, including flood mitigation. Blackstone Watershed Collaborative and Save The Bay will lead 25 participants through a 3–4-day field-based training to assess 20+ culverts.

The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council will participate in the Stormwater Planning Series, a 6-month capacity building training and technical assistance program that leads communities through the process of designing and developing conceptual designs for stormwater retrofits and green infrastructure solutions. Communities will also receive engineering assistance to advance their designs up to 30%. The following SNEP Partners will lead this training: UNH Stormwater Center, Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NBNERR), Elizabeth Scott Consulting, Save The Bay, Blackstone Watershed Collaborative, Audubon Society Rhode Island/Stormwater Innovation Center, and NEEFC.

2024

Community Assistance Projects 

Site Visit at Sacred Heart Park, Central Falls, Rhode Island 

The SNEP Network is assisting the City of Brockton with developing a stormwater retrofit conceptual design at DW Field Park, specifically at the middle section from Oak Street to South Street to address sedimentation, erosion and deposition of trash and sediment into Upper Porter Pond and the surrounding wetlands. The city is receiving training and technical assistance by participating in the SNEP Network’s Stormwater Planning Series. The training provides guidance to municipal officials, volunteer Board members, and/or NGO staff to develop conceptual design(s) for stormwater retrofits and green infrastructure solutions. 

The SNEP Network is assisting the City of Central Falls with developing a stormwater retrofit conceptual design at Sacred Heart Park to improve water quality in the Blackstone River, and create a high-quality nature/garden space to improve ecological functioning and aesthetic enhancement in the park. The city is receiving training and technical assistance by participating in the SNEP Network’s Stormwater Planning Series. The training provides guidance to municipal officials, volunteer Board members, and/or NGO staff to develop conceptual design(s) for stormwater retrofits and green infrastructure solutions. 

The SNEP Network is assisting the Town of Douglas with developing a stormwater retrofit conceptual design to address significant flooding and stormwater runoff concerns at the Fire Station and DPW Garage in Douglas. The insufficient drainage infrastructure is causing severe flooding which affects the ability of emergency vehicles to enter and exit the fire station, causes road closures, and directs significantly sedimented stormwater into Centerville Brook and its associated wetlands. The town is receiving training and technical assistance by participating in the SNEP Network’s Stormwater Planning Series. The training provides guidance to municipal officials, volunteer Board members, and/or NGO staff to develop conceptual design(s) for stormwater retrofits and green infrastructure solutions. 

The SNEP Network will continue to assist the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s Natural Resources Department in finalizing a Tribal nonpoint source pollution assessment and management plan. The NPS Assessment Report will identify and describe the Tribe’s water resources, the quality of water resources, and the threats to water quality due to non-point source pollution. The NPS Management Plan will define the process for mitigating NPS pollution in impaired waters to restore and enhance water quality.

The SNEP Network is assisting the Town of Portsmouth with developing of a stormwater retrofit conceptual design to address increased flooding and stormwater runoff along West Shore Road. The town is receiving training and technical assistance by participating in the SNEP Network’s Stormwater Planning Series. The training provides guidance to municipal officials, volunteer Board members, and/or NGO staff to develop conceptual design(s) for stormwater retrofits and green infrastructure solutions. 

Over the last year and a half, the SNEP Network has assisted the City of Providence with conducting a Stormwater Task Force to examine options for sustainable financing. The Stormwater Task Force reviewed the data collected by the consultant Raftelis on financing options for their stormwater/sewer needs as well as public input collected by the Task Force. During the final meeting, the Task Force reviewed cost projections and effects on taxpayers or ratepayers and developed their final recommendations. Currently, the project team is working on drafting recommendations from the final task force meeting which will be shared with the mayor and city leaders.

The SNEP Network is providing the Town of Richmond with technical assistance to develop a stormwater management plan for the Town’s DPW facility and transfer station. With consultant support, project deliverables will be a final stormwater management plan that includes site assessment/characterization of existing conditions site plan, existing site assessment and characterization, identification of source control/operational improvements, site identification and conceptual designs for stormwater collection and treatment systems, a site inspection and maintenance plan, and a prioritized implementation plan with cost estimates for recommended practices.

The SNEP Network is providing technical assistance to the Town of Westport, MA to develop a stormwater plan that addresses excessive flooding and pollutant runoff in the Westport River Watershed Headwaters. The scope of the project will be (1) the delineation of the planning area, followed by (2) hydrologic response unit (HRU Mapping and Analysis of the Baseline runoff/stormwater runoff loading, and (3) prioritization of areas in need of protection and restoration, and (4) a Westport Headwater Management Plan summarizing the analyses and findings.

2023

Community Assistance Projects 

Site Visit at Compton’s Corner, Swansea, Massachusetts

The SNEP Network assisted the Town of Coventry with developing long range stormwater management plans on a watershed level, specifically mediation of stormwater issues on Upper Dam Pond.

The Town of Coventry also gained new technical skills by participating in the SNEP Network’s 2023/2024 stormwater training/facilitated planning series. This series pairs communities with SNEP Network partners with technical expertise in stormwater planning and management to guide them through the process of developing a conceptual design for a nature-based stormwater retrofit option in their selected drainage area. Participants use the tools and techniques presented in the training to identify low-cost stormwater solutions to address the stormwater problem at their specific location.

The SNEP Network assisted the Town of Hopkinton with developing conceptual designs and implementing stormwater management practice that addressed the flooding and erosions at the intersection of Maxson Hill Road and Route 3 and along residential properties

The Town of Hopkinton also gained new technical skills by participating in the SNEP Network’s 2023/2024 stormwater training/facilitated planning series. This series pairs communities with SNEP Network partners with technical expertise in stormwater planning and management to guide them through the process of developing a conceptual design for a nature-based stormwater retrofit option in their selected drainage area. Participants use the tools and techniques presented in the training to identify low-cost stormwater solutions to address the stormwater problem at their specific location.

The SNEP Network assisted the City of Providence with identifying solutions for a sustainable approach to stormwater management and for management of City-owned stormwater and sewer infrastructure. The SNEP Network also supported the City of Providence with a two-part public engagement process that includes the formation and facilitation of the Stormwater Task Force.

The SNEP Network assisted the Town of Swansea with improving the water quality of the Cole River estuary that is impacted in part by untreated stormwater runoff and nitrogen runoff from fertilizers. 

The Town of Swansea also gained new technical skills by participating in the SNEP Network’s 2023/2024 stormwater training/facilitated planning series. This series pairs communities with SNEP Network partners with technical expertise in stormwater planning and management to guide them through the process of developing a conceptual design for a nature-based stormwater retrofit option in their selected drainage area. Participants use the tools and techniques presented in the training to identify low-cost stormwater solutions to address the stormwater problem at their specific location.

The SNEP Network helped the Town of Westport make improvements to an existing drainage ditch and eroded basin to enhance the existing system and remedy the continued stormwater flow beyond existing basins.

The Town of Westport also gained new technical skills by participating in the SNEP Network’s 2023/2024 stormwater training/facilitated planning series. This series pairs communities with SNEP Network partners with technical expertise in stormwater planning and management to guide them through the process of developing a conceptual design for a nature-based stormwater retrofit option in their selected drainage area. Participants use the tools and techniques presented in the training to identify low-cost stormwater solutions to address the stormwater problem at their specific location.

2022

Community Assistance Projects 

Peacedale Village Green, South Kingstown, Rhode Island

The SNEP Network assisted the Burrillville Land Trust with identifying priority topics to develop a presentation, including land use planning, watershed protection, and ecosystem services protection and present to the Burrillville Planning Board. 

The SNEP Network assisted Buzzards Bay Coalition with a GIS analysis for developing spatial hydrologic response units (HRU), a combination of land use type, soil infiltration capacity, and land cover slope, to characterize the watershed conditions. Using the GIS and climate data, the project team configured a set of SWMM5 models using the local representative hourly rainfall and daily air temperature time series. The SWMM5 models are based on the published calibrated Opti-Tool SWMM models. 

Buttonwood Brook Case Study
Buttonwood Brook Webinar Presentation
Prioritization Tool

Groundworks Southcoast with the City of New Bedford participated in the SNEP Network’s Stormwater Planning Series for municipal officials, volunteer Board members, and/or NGO staff to develop conceptual design(s) for stormwater retrofits and green infrastructure solutions.

The SNEP Network assisted the Mashpee Wampanoag and the Town of Mashpee with: 

(1) Community engagement, communication, partnership building, and facilitation for stormwater/watershed management and ecological restoration

(2) Technical support for grant applications to leverage Town match for additional funds (MVP, 319 NPS, 604b), and communications with grant entities

(3) Finalization of Watershed Based Plan (on critical path for 319 NPS funding)

(4) Analysis of baseline monitoring data and communication of results to the public

The Town of Marion participated in the SNEP Network’s Stormwater Planning Series for municipal officials, volunteer Board members, and/or NGO staff to develop conceptual design(s) for stormwater retrofits and green infrastructure solutions.

Storymap: Stormwater Planning in Sprague’s Cove, Marion

The SNEP Network assisted the Town of Middletown with developing a 5-year climate resilience capital improvement plan (RCIP): The resulting RCIP helped Middletown prioritize resilience action items, including more detailed scoping of projects identified in Middletown’s Community Resilience Building report, as well as their Comprehensive Plan and Hazard Mitigation Plan. The SNEP Network also provided recommendations on sustainable funding and financing
mechanisms and investment of climate resilience projects.

This project was also part of an initiative to support and enhance Climate Leadership Collaboration on Aquidneck Island. This involved working in close partnership with the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank and the Regional Resilience Coordinator, and compiling regional themes and findings from across the three island municipalities to efficiently move resilience projects forward on the regional scale.

Full Report: Middletown, RI Climate Resiliency Planning & Financing Strategy

The Town of North Kingstown participated in the SNEP Network’s Stormwater Planning Series for municipal officials, volunteer Board members, and/or NGO staff to develop conceptual design(s) for stormwater retrofits and green
infrastructure solutions.

The SNEP Network assisted the Town of Shrewsbury with a bylaw review to integrate new low impact design and green infrastructure requirements. The SNEP Network helped with reviewing the current rules and regulations governing the subdivision of land, the rules and regulations governing special permits and site plan review, and the Shrewsbury Zoning Bylaw.

The town is also participated in the SNEP Network’s Stormwater Planning Series. The training provides guidance to municipal officials, volunteer Board members, and/or NGO staff to develop conceptual design(s) for stormwater retrofits and green infrastructure solutions to address identified problems in the town selected drainage area. 

The SNEP Network assisted the Town of South Kingstown with developing a buffer restoration plan including:

(1) Detailed planting plan laying out the location and vegetation type (trees, shrubs, grasses, forbes, etc.) for the buffer area on both sides of Indian Run Brook in Peacedale Village Green

(2) 30% stormwater retrofit designs and Construction Documents (100% Design) for managing sheet flow surface runoff from the parking lot at the South Kingstown Neighborhood Guild (including design for a berm or other level spreading technique, and possibly other green infrastructure techniques to be incorporated into the restored buffer area adjacent to the parking lot)

(3) Order of magnitude cost estimates to implement the buffer restoration plan

Deliverables: 
Stormwater Report-Compiled
Existing Conditions Plan
Operation and Maintenance Guide- Peacedale Village Green
Construction Drawings

2021

Community Assistance Projects 

Santuit Pond, Mashpee, Massachusetts 

 

SNEP Network worked with the town to conduct a municipal organizational capacity assessment to address critical environmental needs and assess staffing requirements to fully build out the program overtime to support the planning, stormwater management and resiliency needs.

Reports/Deliverables:

Final Report: Making Space for Climate Resilience- A Capacity Assessment for the Town of Mansfield, MA
OCA Selectboard Presentation PDF September 2022

The SNEP Network is working jointly with the Mashpee Wampanoag and the Town of Mashpee to evaluate and implement interim measures to address nutrient pollution in Santuit Pond. The Network is also assisting with capacity building to plan and manage water quality issues related to stormwater on a watershed scale which includes participation in the the stormwater planning training series. 

The technical assistance is ongoing into 2022-2023. 

The SNEP Network assisted the City of Newport with developing a climate resilience strategy that included working with a core group of stakeholders to help assess and prioritize high priority projects and steps needed for implementation. The Network also provided recommendations on sustainable funding and financing mechanisms necessary for project implementation. 

Reports/Deliverables:

Final Report: Newport, RI Climate Resilience and Financing Prioritization Report

The SNEP Network assisted Providence, RI with the development of a conceptual plan, pollutant tracking, and cost estimates for nature based stormwater retrofit options for York Pond watershed area. The assistance includes participation in the stormwater planning training series. 

The SNEP Network is assisting with identifying best practices approaches and solutions to address future or existing clashes between street trees and infrastructure to further the comprehensive and equity focused strategic PVD tree plan. 

This project is ongoing into 2022-2023.

The SNEP Network assisted South Kingtown, RI in the development of a conceptual plan, pollutant tracking, and cost estimates for nature based stormwater retrofit options for a selected drainage area within Saugatucket River watershed. The assistance includes participation in the stormwater planning training series.

South Kingstown was also awarded technical assistance in 2022-2023. See the 2022 Community Assistance Project List for the project description. 

The SNEP Network assisted Warren, RI in the development of a conceptual plan, pollutant tracking, and cost estimates for nature based stormwater retrofit options for a selected drainage /sub watershed area. The assistance includes participation in the stormwater planning training series

The SNEP Network worked with the tribe to develop a Climate Resilience Strategy that prioritizes short-term, midterm and long term hazards and establishes a pathway toward funding and financing to address these hazards. The Network is also providing guidance for the for the restoration of Native Cranberry bogs and short-term issues related to flooding of a playground and housing development

The SNEP Network assisted Westerly, RI in the development of a conceptual plan, pollutant tracking, and cost estimates for nature based stormwater retrofit options for a selected drainage /sub watershed area. The assistance includes participation in the stormwater planning training series

2020

Community Assistance Projects 

Flooding on Salt Marsh Lane during a 2020 moon tide storm event, Bourne, Massachusetts

The SNEP Network provided technical assistance to monitor, model, and map salt marsh migration, and supplied engineering guidance for infrastructure removal. The project was leveraged to secure additional funding.

SNEP Network partners and consultants worked with Bourne to develop a comprehensive coastal resilience action strategy and develop sustainable, scalable financing options to support long-term project implementation.

Reports/Deliverables:

 

The SNEP Network supported the creation of a Master Plan Concept Design to enhance park elements while addressing stormwater and erosion issues. The Master Plan was presented at a public meeting, and improvements will be installed by the town over time.

The Network supported the development of a conservation development ordinance for new subdivisions, and created training and educational material to support adoption. Network partners and consultants also participated in public hearings. 

The SNEP Network developed the Town Hall Campus Green Infrastructure redesign, including concept-level site planning to incorporate environmentally-sensitive design and development of educational content. The Network also created a design, permitting, and implementation workflow, and a budget for grant applications.

The project expanded the collaborative capacity of Pleasant Bay Alliance communities (Brewer, Chatham, Harwich, & Orleans, MA) for stormwater management efficiencies, including an interjurisdictional approach to capital projects.

Reports/Deliverables:

Pleasant Bay Alliance Regional Stormwater Management Bylaw Review Report 
Pleasant Bay Alliance Stormwater and Community Resilience Funding and Financing Strategy 

SNEP Network assistance for climate resiliency planning and financing in Portsmouth included town council leadership development, prioritizing and estimating costs for capital needs, and creating a financing strategy including a 5-year Climate Resiliency Capital Improvement Plan.

Reports/Deliverables:

Portsmouth, RI Climate Resilience Planning and Financing Strategy Report 

SNEP Network assistance facilitated the creation of non-proprietary, “plug-and-play” designs, including a tree filter (no storage) and a tree trench (with storage). Designs will be installed at Roger Williams Park, with plans for research, training, and education.

Reports/Deliverables:

The SNEP Network engaged Wareham in a pilot Leadership Exchange with other communities and experts to guide Wareham’s redevelopment process with a focus on climate resilience, stormwater management, green infrastructure, and economic development opportunities. 

Reports/Deliverables:

The SNEP Network evaluated alternatives to mitigate inland flooding of the Warren Boulevard neighborhood using SWMM modeling, facilitated engagement with affected property owners, and presented recommended actions.

The Network created conceptual designs and renderings for church parking lot green infrastructure retrofits, and provided construction support to the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC.) WRWC River Rangers will install the retrofits.

Reports/Deliverables: