Rhode Island officials have allocated $4.1 million in grants from a settlement Volkswagen reached with federal officials over its emissions testing scandal.
Attorney General Peter Kilmartin announced the funding for a variety of environmental projects.
The largest grant, $850,000, will help East Providence re-open Sabin Point Beach to swimming. This beach has been closed for decades due to chronic water pollution but could be re-opened if stormwater issues were remediated locally.
Other entities receiving grants include the University of Rhode Island and state departments of environmental management, health and transportation. The list also includes HousingWorks RI, the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, Rhode Island Schools Recycling Club and Farm Fresh Harvest Kitchen.
URI will receive $835,000 for data collection and analysis to conserve malt marshes as sea levels rise.
