JOHNSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — The Town of Johnston received $2 million in federal funds for a flood mitigation project after decades of flooding at the intersection of Atwood Avenue and Hartford Avenue. On Monday, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner, and Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. delivered $2,080,000 to Johnston to work on flood issues and reduce its economic and environmental impacts. According to the Town of Johnston, the Pocasset River overflows during storms and surplus rainfall, which causes drainage issues and flooding on Atwood and Hartford Avenues. As a result, parts of Atwell Avenue and access ramps to Route 6 are closed, and low-laying areas receive stormwater runoff, which impacts residents, commuters, and the local economy. “This federal earmark will allow us to address the chronic flooding that has disrupted lives, businesses, and commutes for far too long,” Polisena said. “Our main intersection, where Hartford and Atwood Avenues meet, often becomes impassable during heavy rains, effectively splitting the town in two and limiting highway access.” Officials said the federal funds will help to “reconfigure existing drainage infrastructure” and improve the flow of water in the area during and after rainfall. Additionally, the project plans to hold water runoff in oversized drainage pipes until the Pocasset River is back to normal levels. Officials said the plan would increase economic growth in Johnston due to the reduction of flood-related closures and by protecting the quality of the town’s water supply. “This is good news for the residents of Johnston and those who rely on this important intersection to get to school, work, the market, or any of the local stores nearby.  The federal earmark I helped secure with Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Magaziner will help manage flooding and reduce the impact on local roads, businesses, and homes,” Senator Reed said. “We are delivering federal funding to support Mayor Polisena’s effort to help small businesses stay open, minimize storm-related property damage, and keep residents safe on the roads,” Whitehouse said.  Categories: News, Rhode Island