Strategies to Improve Resilience

INTRODUCTION

Building on the results of the district flood vulnerability assessments, a recommended list of flood mitigation strategies was developed for each of the twelve main street districts. These strategies highlight district-scale actions and building-level adaptation strategies that can be considered by both individual property owners and municipalities for addressing near and long-term flood risks. The following pages outline key strategies for each district, along with a snapshot of the unique flood vulnerabilities of each district. While there are often many flood mitigation strategies that could be pursued in each district, this summary aims to highlight a set of high-impact (or “key”) strategies that form a more focused roadmap of actions for residents, business owners, and municipalities to pursue. Each districtspecific list balances more immediate actions (“quick wins”) with the continued efforts needed to build long-term resilience against evolving flood risks.

While many of the recommended flood mitigation strategies are focused on actions that can be taken to adapt existing infrastructure, some districts also include programmatic, planning, and policy-based strategies. Additionally, while it is recommended that some strategies address short-term, higher probability flood events, such as near-term strategies (<1-5 years) focused on building –scale adaptation, policy revisions, capacity building, and lowcost, high-impact (i.e., “low-hanging fruit”) projects, many of the districtspecific lists also include mid-term strategies (5-10 years) that may focus on more complex infrastructure upgrades – along with long-term strategies (10+ years) that may involve major capital projects and future land use planning changes necessary for addressing flood vulnerabilities associated with longerterm planning horizons.

Coastal flooding rises to the level of a flood barrier at the entrance to the Newport Maritime Center on January 13, 2024 (Credit: Cheryl McLarney via MyCoast)

IMPACTS OF INACTION

If no action is taken to mitigate flood risks, Rhode Island’s main street districts face a future of escalating infrastructure decay and economic stagnation. Frequent "nuisance flooding" and severe storm surges will likely lead to the repeated inundation of critical local roads, businesses, homes, and community facilities.

Under the “do-nothing scenario,” modeled flood exposure scenarios analyzed as part of the district-wide vulnerability assessments would lead to impacts on over 2,300+ buildings and 30+ miles of state and local roads across the 12 main street districts. Additionally, the value of properties within the projected flood extents across the districts would total over $1 billion, and flooding impacts would further threaten municipal tax bases, tourism, and social-cultural heritage.

According to the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, 40% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster (e.g., flooding, hurricanes), and another 25% close a year after the disaster.1 Similarly, according to Small Business Administration, 90% of businesses fail within two years after being struck by a disaster. 2 In a state where small businesses form the backbone of the economy and employ a significant portion of the workforce (over 50% of Rhode Island’s total workforce is employed by small businesses), the impacts of inaction are too great to ignore.3

1. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Hurricane Toolkit, 2014, https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/ready_business_hurricane-toolkit.pdf. The percentage was derived from 2014 data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Department of Labor.

2. U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA Disaster Workshop: Are You Prepared for the Next Big Disaster? November 12, 2015.

3. The Economic Progress Institute, The State of Small and Micro Businesses in RI: Top 10 Takeaways. June 27, 2024

23, 2022 (Credit:

Flooding on Water Street in Warren, RI on December

Kate Michaud via MyCoast)

NEAR-TERM BUILDING-SCALE STRATEGIES

In some areas, district-wide strategies are more limited given the nature of the flood exposure and existing development patterns, and a focus on more building-scale strategies is more relevant. As a complement to many of the district-wide strategies (that often require municipal action, greater capital investments, and longer implementation timelines) that were included in the sections that follow, a list of near-term building-scale strategies was also developed by project partners from Brewster Thornton Group Architects (BTGA).

These strategies, which are included in Appendix A, aim to strike a balance between the immediacy of current flood risks facing property and business owners across Rhode Island’s main street districts with a realistic understanding of what is feasible within more immediate (e.g., several months) timeframes.

Included in Appendix A is:

1. A typology of building types located within the 12 main street districts including building age, use (commercial vs. government vs. other services), building materials, occupancy, and other factors affecting overall flood vulnerability of the structures; and

2. List of strategies for mitigating flood risk based on building types. Note: Many of these strategies are those that can be implemented quickly (in a matter of months) with relatively modest investments (e.g., hundreds or thousands of dollars) to reduce flood damage and/or recovery time.

Property and business owners can use the BTGA report included in the appendix – along with the Flood Risk Explorer tool (https://arcg.is/rH0fK) developed for the Ready, Set, Rhody project – to quickly search for their building (by address), identify the building type, and match their building to applicable flood mitigation strategies.

Sample Building Types and Cross-Sections of Resilience Strategies as documented in the BTGA Report (Appendix A)

DOWNTOWN NEW SHOREHAM

KEY VULNERABILITIES + FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

KEY VULNERABILITIES

• While many of the structures in this area, including those within the Old Harbor Historic District, are less prone to coastal flooding, there exist several crossings (New Shoreham Bridge and New Harbor Road Bridge) and low -lying stretches of road that connect the district to the rest of the island (e.g., Corn Neck Road, Beach Avenue, Ocean Avenue) that are subject to inundation during current and future projected flooding, cutting off sections of the district.

• With a projected sea level rise of 3+ feet, higher probability coastal flood events (e.g., 10% AEP flood events) are projected to isolate critical facilities (e.g., the Block Island Volunteer Fire Department, New Shoreham Police Department, and Town-owned communications tower), making it difficult to provide emergency services to the rest of the island. Under similar conditions, access to the downtown and Block Island Ferry becomes limited to High Street.

• The ferry terminal area is currently exposed to flood depths of 2 to 4 feet during the presentday 10% AEP storm event, which is projected to increase by several more feet in the future as a result of increasing SLR and intensity of coastal storms.

SUMMARY OF KEY FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

KEY NEAR-TERM STRATEGY (<1-5 YEARS)

STRATEGY 01: PLAN FOR RELOCATION OF CRITICAL

FACILITIES

As noted in the Town’s recently updated 2025 Hazard Mitigation & Flood Management Plan (HM&FMP), addressing the flood vulnerabilities related to the fire and police facilities is one of the highest priority actions. In keeping with the actions listed in the HM&FMP, the Town should conduct a feasibility study (est. cost range: $200,000 to $300,000) and make plans over the next several years to consider a future relocation of these facilities to a higher elevation site that still provides access to the rest of the main street district and beyond. While actions included in the HM&FMP (e.g., adding a high water vehicle to the emergency management fleet) may provide interim solutions to addressing this key vulnerability in the district, making plans for limiting the potential for the facilities themselves to be isolated during a flood event is a resilient, longer-term flood mitigation strategy.

KEY MID-TERM STRATEGY (5-10 YEARS)

STRATEGY 02: SELECTIVE

ROADWAY ELEVATIONS + ROADWAY HARDENING

Recognizing that the near-term strategy of a feasibility study for critical facility relocation can be performed relatively quickly, consider buying time to perform these relocations by: (a) elevating sections of the roadway along Beach Avenue (est. cost range: $500,000 to $600,000) to reduce the risk of flooding from the current 10% AEP flood event to buy time for a future potential relocation of emergency services facilities and (b) implementing sheet pile cut-off walls (est. cost range: $1M to 1.2 M) to prevent washout along key routes connecting the district to the rest of the island (e.g., Ocean Avenue) that will be prone to more frequent inundation during coastal storms.

KEY LONG-TERM STRATEGY (10+ YEARS)

STRATEGY 03: INCREASE THE RESILIENCE OF COMMERCIAL FERRY SERVICE

Much of the ferry infrastructure adjacent to the district’s core commercial area is vulnerable to presentday, higher probability flood events (e.g., 10% AEP flood event). With an additional three feet of SLR, this infrastructure (e.g., pier, parking lot, ramps, etc.) will become even more prone to frequent flooding and require major capital investments to improve the long-term functionality of this critical community facility – especially during evacuations. Developing a long-term master plan (est. cost range: $400,000 to $600,000) – similar to the plan being developed for the Chappaquiddick Ferry on Martha’s Vineyard –for infrastructure upgrades and redesigns of the ferry landing to better connect to higher elevations at Water Street and beyond will help improve the long-term resilience of the district.

THAMES STREET

KEY VULNERABILITIES + FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

KEY VULNERABILITIES

• Thames Street contains much of the Bristol Waterfront Historic District and is vulnerable to both fringe flooding (where coastal flooding from Bristol Harbor directly impacts areas along the waterfront) and penetration flooding (where water enters low-lying areas along discrete pathways). Vulnerable waterfront locations include Independence Park and historic tourist amenities such as the Maritime Welcome Center.

• Approximately 56% of the buildings in the district are commercial, with restaurants, multistory apartment buildings, and hotels clustered in the lowest-lying waterfront areas. Many of these buildings fall within the Downtown Waterfront Historic District.

• Access to the Prudence Ferry is limited during current and future projected coastal flood events, as the terminal, access roads, and area surrounding the ferry (i.e., the area near the intersection of Church Street and Thames Street) are currently prone to 2-4 feet of flooding (during the 10% AEP flood event) and up to 6 feet of flooding in the future (during the 10% AEP + 3 feet SLR flood event).

SUMMARY OF KEY FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

KEY NEAR-TERM STRATEGY (<1-5 YEARS)

STRATEGY

01: DEPLOY TEMPORARY FLOOD BARRIERS

While some of the flood-prone structures along Thames Street have elevated first-floor entries and have protections in place for ground-level vents and basement windows, many do not. For structures lacking these mitigation measures, building owners should consider implementing temporary flood barriers, like:

• Modular perimeter barriers (est. cost range: $350 to $1,000 per linear foot, depending on height) that require no permanent foundation, can easily be stored on pallets, and use the weight of floodwaters to stay in place. (They are especially useful for protecting large storefront windows and patios.)

• Removable stop logs (est. cost range:$300-$2,000+ per unit, depending on size of opening and height) that create a watertight barrier across thresholds by sliding aluminum “logs”/”planks” in tracks bolted to the sides of doorways.

• Self-rising water dams (est. cost range: $500-$13,000+ per unit, depending on the height and length) that can block off low-lying alleyways or driveways between buildings to prevent penetration flooding.

• Expansion plugs and flood shields (est. cost range: $100-$1,000+ per unit, depending on the size of the opening and need for custom fittings) that can either be inserted into floor drains to prevent backflow or bolted over air vents or small ground-floor windows before storm events.

KEY MID-TERM STRATEGY (5-10 YEARS)

STRATEGY 02:

ADAPT CHURCH STREET FERRY INFRASTRUCTURE

To supplement ongoing resilience work mitigating undermining on the north side of the Prudence Ferry pier, the installation of sheet piles beneath the south side of the ferry landing’s parking and staging areas (est. cost range: $125,000 to $200,000) should be considered to help ensure the ground remains stable even when more frequently inundated. Similarly, electrical components for ferry lighting, ticketing kiosks, and potential future hybrid-electric ferry charging stations should be raised at least 4–5 feet above the current grade to reduce the risk for current higher probability flood events.

KEY LONG-TERM STRATEGY (10+ YEARS)

STRATEGY 03: ELEVATE AND PEDESTRIANIZE PORTION OF THAMES STREET

To provide more area-wide flood risk reduction in the north of the district, a portion of Thames Street adjacent to Independence Park between Washington Street and Bradford Street could be pedestrianized and elevated (est. cost range: $3M to $6M) to act as a berm for mitigating against flooding from larger storm events.

THAMES STREET

RESILIENT DESIGN GUIDELINES: ELEVATE CRITICAL UTILITIES

RESILIENT DESIGN GUIDELINES: ELEVATE COMMERCIAL FIRST FLOORS

DISTRICT-WIDE STORMWATER

RETROFIT: TIDE GATES AT OUTFALLS

BOWEN’S WHARF

NEWPORT HARBOR

COMMERCIAL WHARF

HAMMETTS WHARF

Tomwsulcer, CC BY 4.0

KEY VULNERABILITIES + FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

KEY VULNERABILITIES

• This district is home to dozens of historic commercial, mixed-use and residential structures located in flood hazard areas, yet the majority of these structures are not elevated to mitigate against flood risks. Many of Newport’s 18th- and 19th-century buildings on the National Historic Registry have basements below the current flood elevations and suffer from routine saltwater infiltration. When major storm events occur, they can lead to long-term business closures and repetitive loss scenarios that threaten the viability of the waterfront and tourism economy, which contributes over $1 billion annually to Newport’s economy.

• Portions of the drainage systems in the district are also heavily influenced by tidal flooding. During high tide, water from the harbor can back up through the outfall pipes in the area, overtopping catch basins and flooding streets even when there is no rain (known as “sunny day” flooding), which can disrupt traffic, emergency response, accessibility, and commerce. This district is also home to vital utility infrastructure (e.g., Thames Street Forced Main) and many docks and piers for visiting boats that are at risk of inundation and failure during coastal storm surge events.

SUMMARY OF KEY FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

NEAR-TERM STRATEGY (<1-5 YEARS)

STRATEGY 01: INSTALL AND MAINTAIN

TIDE GATES

Continue and expand Newport’s existing strategy of installing tide gates (est. cost range: $15,000 to $20,000 for duckbill valve, depending on diameter) on needed outfalls throughout the district and regularly maintain tide gates to prevent malfunctions due to debris or sedimentation. This strategy primarily addresses backflow from tidal “sunny day” flooding.

MID-TERM STRATEGY (5-10 YEARS)

STRATEGY 02:

MAKE ELEVATION THE NEW STANDARD

Consider implementing resilient design guidelines and related zoning requirements that require all new construction and major renovations in the district to elevate their first floors (est. cost range: $150,000 to 300,000 per structure, depending on access, framing structure, and subgrade utilities and foundation) and critical utilities (e.g., HVAC, electrical) above required flood elevations, while still maintaining pedestrian connections to the main street. The recent Hammetts Wharf development project could serve as a useful example for similar strategies that could be applied at the building scale across the district; the building was pushed back from the sidewalk to allow for raised stairs and ramps to the main entry, with partially hidden parking on the ground floor and ties to the surrounding streetscape. For older structures in the district, Newport’s Historic District Commission adopted specific guidelines for elevating historic structures that allow buildings to be raised to the base flood elevation plus one foot of freeboard. To maintain character, owners are encouraged to use original foundation materials and architectural elements like skirt boards, landscaping, or elevated planters to hide the new, taller foundation.

LONG-TERM STRATEGY (10+ YEARS)

STRATEGY

03: A NEW VISION FOR FUTURE WATERFRONT CONNECTIONS

For long-term flood resilience in the district, the City should consider conducting a study (est. cost range: $300,000 to $400,000) to identify the point at which the costs of repetitive damages (or potentially repairing major infrastructure like the Thames Street forced main) exceed the economic benefit of maintaining the viability of systems/locations of roadways, buildings, and supporting infrastructure over the long term of the district. This may help the business and residents in the district not only identify critical tipping points but also begin to create a phased vision for the future of the district, where the most vulnerable waterfront areas may be transitioned over time into open-space buffers that provide additional connections to the harbor.

WICKFORD NORTH KINGSTOWN

KEY VULNERABILITIES + FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

KEY DISTRICT VULNERABILITIES

• The intersection of Brown Street and Main Street – the economic center of the district – is at the center of one of the lowest-lying areas in the Wickford Historic District, which appears on the National Registry. Even without a major storm, "King Tides" or heavy rain events often result in water bubbling up from the storm drains, flooding the street, adjacent properties, and parking lots near the shoreline. This disrupts foot traffic and costs local businesses revenue during prime shopping hours.

• Higher probability coastal floods (e.g., 10% AEP flood events) are projected to inundate portions of Main Street, Brown Street, Phillips Street/Boston Neck Road, creating pinch points at the Hussey and Wickford Bridges and cutting off key evacuation routes. These conditions are only made worse when accounting for additional SLR.

• The district’s drainage system relies on gravity to pull water into the harbor. When the tide is high, the water surface elevations in the harbor can exceed the elevations of the existing outfalls, meaning rainwater cannot drain properly, and “backdoor flooding” from Academy Cove may become more likely.

SUMMARY OF KEY FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

NEAR-TERM

STRATEGIES (<1-5 YEARS)

STRATEGY 01: PREPARE EARLY WARNING SYSTEM + ROAD CLOSURES/DETOURS

Establish a coordinated early warning and communication system (est. cost range: $250,000 to $400,000) to notify residents, businesses, and visitors of impending coastal flooding and evacuation needs. The system would also support temporary road closures and designated detour routes to maintain public safety. Notifications could be issued again once conditions stabilize to allow a safe return to the district.

STRATEGY 02: STORMWATER RETROFITS

Using the Wickford Waterfront Project as a guide, install tide gates on additional drainage outfalls (est. cost range: $15,000 to $20,000 for duckbill valve, depending on diameter) in the district (where needed) to prevent water from backing up in the drainage system during large tidal events, and as redevelopment occurs in the district, encourage regrading and the installation of green stormwater infrastructure to better manage heavy rainfall runoff on site.

MID-TERM

STRATEGY (5-10 YEARS)

STRATEGY 03: LIMITED ROADWAY ELEVATION ON WEST MAIN STREET

Consider elevating a portion of West Main Street between Brown Street and 89 West Main Street by four to six feet (est. cost range: $1M to $1.5M) to reduce the risk of flooding from the current 10% AEP flood event. This will allow this roadway to continue serving as an evacuation route for the rest of the district under these conditions, buying time for the Town to plan for potential longer -term, higher capital investments in additional roadway or bridge approach elevations, pump stations, etc.

LONG-TERM STRATEGY (10+ YEARS)

STRATEGY 04: ADDING COASTAL BUFFERS

By 2050 and beyond, the Town’s 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan and the Resilient Rhody framework acknowledge that some areas of Wickford may become unsustainable for permanent structures. Over time, working with local businesses and property owners, the Town could develop a plan (est. cost range: $300,000 to $400,000) to study the long-term viability of the existing roadways, buildings, and supporting infrastructure throughout the district, looking for opportunities to transition repetitive loss properties over time to open space coastal flood buffers and adapt other properties to be safely inundated during major flood events.

ISLAND PARK PORTSMOUTH

KEY VULNERABILITIES + FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

KEY VULNERABILITIES

• While the district is less vulnerable to near-term, higher probability coastal flood events (e.g., current 10% AEP flood events), it sits at a low overall elevation. Lower probability events (e.g., the current 1% AEP flood) are projected to inundate the entire area with little to break the wave energy coming off the Sakonnet River. As sea levels continue to rise, existing beaches that provide some wave attenuation will be more frequently submerged, meaning even relatively smaller coastal storms are likely to have more destructive power.

• Park Avenue is the primary artery for the district and a key evacuation route. While the segment of this road that runs through the main street district is at a relatively higher elevation, the road is prone to being cut off on the western end (near the intersection with Boyds Lane) by larger coastal storms and future daily high tides (with three feet of SLR). Just outside the district, to the northeast, where Park Avenue becomes Point Road and crosses over to Hummock Point, there is another low-lying section of road that is similarly vulnerable to larger coastal storms and future tidal flooding. This creates a significant public safety risk, as it can cut off emergency vehicle access to the district and the surrounding neighborhood.

SUMMARY OF KEY FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

NEAR-TERM STRATEGIES (<1-5 YEARS)

STRATEGY 01: EARLY WARNING SYSTEM + ROAD CLOSURES/DETOURS

Establish an early warning system (est. cost range: $250,000 to $400,000) that can be used to notify residents and businesses in the future to evacuate from the area. During storm events up to the current 10% AEP coastal flood event, models indicate that Park Avenue can still be used for evacuation. However, larger current and future storms are projected to cut off egress via Park Avenue; therefore, the deployment of early warning communications can be used in conjunction with road closure and detours signs to help facilitate efficient evacuations.

STRATEGY 02: BEACH NOURISHMENT + LIVING SHORELINES

One of the most immediate threats to the district is the high-energy wave action from the Sakonnet River. While hardened seawalls do exist, these can often accelerate erosion elsewhere. Consider establishing an interim beach nourishment program and applying nature- based approaches (e.g., rock sills or living shorelines, est. cost range: $3M to $6M) to attenuate wave action.

MID-TERM

STRATEGY (5-10 YEARS)

STRATEGY 03: ROADWAY

HARDENING

Work with RIDOT to discuss the potential to harden Park Avenue through the use of sheet pile cutoff walls (or similar alternative) to help stabilize the portion of Park Avenue (est. cost range: $2.5M to 3.5M) that is projected to be inundated more frequently by flood events exceeding the current 1% AEP flood event. This will help mitigate against washout in the wake of higher impact (lower probability) storm events, potentially reducing the costs of more frequent repairs and extending the use of this roadway as a key evacuation route in the long term.

LONG-TERM STRATEGY (10+ YEARS)

STRATEGY 04: PLAN FOR LONG-TERM PHASED RETREAT

Because Island Park faces the combined threat of rising seas/coastal storms and rising groundwater from below, there will be a point where the cost of maintaining sewers, roads, and electricity will exceed the tax revenue from the neighborhood. Work with business and property owners to consider establishing a long-term plan (est. cost range: $300,000 to $400,000) and related program for phased retreat from areas of frequent inundation that includes voluntary buyouts for repetitive- loss properties.

OLNEYVILLE & VALLEY PROVIDENCE

ADAPTIVE BUILDING REUSE: FLOODABLE GROUND FLOORS

KEY VULNERABILITIES + FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

KEY VULNERABILITIES

• Providence’s Olneyville and Valley neighborhoods are heavily urbanized, built on a foundation of 19th-century industrial infrastructure that sits squarely in an Environmental Justice Focus Area. Heavy rains cannot infiltrate the ground as easily in this district, making floodwaters more likely to rush directly into the Woonasquatucket River. This can cause rapid overtopping of banks in low -lying areas like Valley Street and Riverside Park (that directly abut the district). During flood events in early 2024, water inundated the Woonasquatucket River Greenway Bike Path and nearby residential streets (e.g., Aleppo Street) to depths of over 2 feet.

• Coastal flooding in the district is controlled at the mouth of the Woonasquatucket River by the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier. As SLR increases, tides from Narragansett Bay are likely to push further up the Woonasquatucket, preventing the river from draining.

• Many residents of Olneyville and Valley rely on transit to navigate the city. However, RIPTA bus routes branching from Olneyville Square are expected to be heavily impacted by the future

1% AEP flood event, exacerbating impacts on those residents and business owners with less adaptive capacity.

SUMMARY OF KEY FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

NEAR-TERM STRATEGY (<1-5 YEARS)

STRATEGY 01: DE-PAVE + EXPAND GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE (GSI) ALONG KEY CORRIDORS

As part of the Providence Climate Justice Plan, Olneyville is a priority for de-paving (est. cost range: $500- $600 per 100 square feet) efforts to combat flooding – along with reducing urban heat island effect. Using the recent street-side bioswales (est. cost range: $15,000 to $20,000 for 4 foot by 8-9 foot cell) and vegetated curb extensions along corridors like San Souci Drive and Kinsley Avenue as an example, similar GSI could also be expanded along other key corridors throughout the district (e.g., Hartford Avenue, Manton Avenue, and Valley Street).

MID-TERM STRATEGY (5-10 YEARS)

STRATEGY 02: EXPAND THE GREENWAY SYSTEM

Continue phasing and implementation plan first proposed in the Woonasquatucket Vision Plan (2018) to advance a riverfront promenade, increase flood storage within the riverine buffer zone, and create pocket parks along the river that can expand the floodplain and be used as additional flood buffers.

LONG-TERM STRATEGY (10+ YEARS)

STRATEGY 03: PURSUE COMMERCIAL REDEVELOPMENT WITH ADAPTIVE

BUILDING REUSE

The redevelopment of large commercial properties in the district (e.g., the historic mill complexes like Atlantic Mills) will be important for the long-term economic viability of the area. Because of their size, these structures cannot easily be moved out of the Woonasquatucket River floodplain; therefore, other wet and dry floodproofing (est. cost range: $50,000 to $500,000 per structure, depending on size) measures can be implemented at scale to allow for redevelopment that preserves the historic character of the district, while also preserving economic activity. These measures can include:

• Elevating critical utilities (transformers, HVAC, and servers) to the second floor, well above future projected flood elevations; and

• Using the ground floor for sacrificial uses like parking, open-air markets, or art studios designed with water-resistant materials.

In the event of a major flood event, these actions can help ensure that the building's core systems remain dry, allowing businesses to resume operations in days rather than months.

ESMOND SMITHFIELD

DISTRICT-WIDE

STORMWATER RETROFIT: GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE

ELEVATE ROADWAY

GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE CORRIDOR DISTRICT BOUNDARY

DEPLOY BUILDING-SCALE FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

POTENTIAL LOCATION FOR MANAGED FLOODPLAIN PROJECT

KEY VULNERABILITIES + FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

KEY VULNERABILITIES

• While located just outside of the district, the Smithfield Wastewater Treatment Facility has a vulnerable access road (i.e., Esmond Mill Drive) that connects to the southern edge of the district and has a history of flooding. Under the 1% AEP flood event, this road is expected to flood with one to two feet of water, which only becomes worse under future projections with 2 or more feet of additional freeboard. Though also outside of the district, critical pump stations at Camp Street and Whipple Avenue are also prone to inundation during flood events.

• The Esmond district is also located at the base of several steep slopes, where heavier rainfall events can cause floodwaters to pick up velocity – overwhelming aging and undersized drainage infrastructure. This can result in localized flooding along the Route 104 commercial corridor and other low-lying areas.

• The Woonasquatucket River is known to rise and fall quickly in the wake of storm events. During the March 2010 flood, the Woonasquatucket River at the nearby Centerdale gauge crested at over 9 feet in a matter of hours, leaving businesses and residents little time to deploy temporary flood protection barriers and retreat.

SUMMARY OF KEY FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

NEAR-TERM STRATEGY (<1-5 YEARS)

STRATEGY 01: FLOODPROOF COMMERCIAL + RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS ALONG ROUTE 104

The commercial and several residential properties along Route 104 are already vulnerable to flooding from the current 1% AEP flood event. These locations should consider implementing rapidly deployable flood barriers (see recommendations for Thames Street in Bristol) during flood events and elevating key HVAC or other electrical equipment from the lowest floor.

MID-TERM STRATEGIES (5-10 YEARS)

STRATEGY 02:

CONTINUE EXPANSION OF GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE (GSI)

Smithfield’s Esmond Village Green Stormwater Improvements Plan will likely commence in 2026, focusing on the low-lying properties bordering the river itself. Since much of the stormwater runoff in Esmond originates from upstream areas and higher elevations, expanding green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) improvements (est. cost range: $15,000 to $20,000 for 4 foot by 8- 9 foot retention cell) to areas upland of the commercial main street district will help mitigate against overwhelming the existing stormwater infrastructure by intercepting and slowing down stormwater runoff.

STRATEGY 03: ELEVATE ESMOND MILL DRIVE TO PRESERVE EGRESS TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

The Town is already working to install flow meters and conducting CCTV inspections of sewer lines that run to the plant, identifying areas where leaks may need to be sealed to avoid overwhelming the plant. Similarly, installing backup power and submersible pumps at critical pump stations will ensure the facility can remain operational even when the surrounding access roads are submerged. However, there is also an opportunity to consider elevating a portion of the access road to Esmond Mill Drive by up to 3+ feet (est. cost range: $300,000 to $600,000) to allow for access to the Wastewater Plant during higher probability flood events.

LONG-TERM STRATEGY (10+ YEARS)

STRATEGY 04: INCREASE FLOODPLAIN STORAGE IN THE WATERSHED

Long term, in partnership with others in the Woonasquatucket River Watershed, managed floodplain projects (est. cost range: $1M to $3M) could be established at Whipple Park, Esmond Park, or other areas upstream of the district that could be safely inundated to expand the river’s flood storage capacity, slowing the flow of water in the river before it reached the narrow, more developed corridor by the Esmond Mill buildings

PEACE DALE

SOUTH KINGSTOWN

SWEET FERN LN

GREEN

SAUGATUCKET POND

KINGSTOWNRD

CHURCHST

PEACE DALE POND DAM

PEACE DALE STONE ARCH BRIDGE & SLUICEWAY

LEGEND

GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE CORRIDOR

DAM ASSESSMENT TO UNDERSTAND CHANGES NEEDED TO ADDRESS FUTURE MAXIMUM FLOOD PROBABILITIES

DEPLOY BUILDING-SCALE FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

TRIBUTARY TO SAUGATUCKET RIVER DISTRICT BOUNDARY

DAsonnenfeld, CC BY 4.0

KEY VULNERABILITIES + FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

KEY VULNERABILITIES

• Inflow to the Saugatucket River is controlled by upstream dams, including the Peace Dale (or Saugatucket) Pond Dam, which is classified as a high-hazard dam. Within Peace Dale, the river is confined by reinforced stone and concrete banks, which mitigate against flooding from the current 1% AEP flood event. However, increasing precipitation intensity is likely to put more pressure on aging spillways and flood protection infrastructure and cause additional flooding beyond the current 1% AEP flood extents.

• Similar to the Woonasquatucket River in Smithfield, the Saugatucket River can quickly overflow during heavy rainfall events due to the steep terrain surrounding the district. Historic mill structures (like those located in the Peace Dale Historic District) and several commercial and residential structures along High Street are currently located within the 1% AEP flood extents; during the 2010 floods, they saw significant inundation as the river overtopped its banks in just a few hours.

SUMMARY OF KEY FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

NEAR-TERM STRATEGY (<1-5 YEARS)

STRATEGY 01: EXPAND LOCAL FLOOD MODELING TO INFORM FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS

There has been a more limited study of the tributary flows into the Saugatucket River and related effects on flooding. Additional flood analysis of Rocky Brook and Indian Run (est. cost range: $150,000 to $300,000) upstream may help the Town better understand the need for future hydraulic upsizing of key crossings and needed repairs to existing flood mitigation infrastructure (e.g., Peace Dale Stone Arch/Kingstown Road crossing and Peace Dale Sluiceway).

MID-TERM STRATEGY (5-10 YEARS)

STRATEGY 02: NBS APPROACHES TO SLOW FLOW

The Town has already developed plans to incorporate stormwater retrofits at the Neighborhood Guild parking lot and has plans to restore the riparian buffer along the Saugatucket River at Peacedale Village Green, including removing invasive species, planting deep-rooted native vegetation to stabilize banks, and creating open space that can act as a temporary sponge for floodwaters. Expanding these efforts and complementing them with the implementation of additional GSI (est. cost range: $15,000 to $20,000 for 4 foot by 8-9 foot retention cell) along key corridors (e.g., High Street) will help continue to slow the flow of water in the district.

LONG-TERM STRATEGY (10+ YEARS)

STRATEGY 03: DAM UPGRADES + ADDITIONAL FLOODPLAIN STORAGE

For the long term, Peace Dale should address the catastrophic risk posed by the high- hazard Peace Dale Pond Dam and the overall volume of the watershed. An assessment of the dam (est. cost range: $300,000 to $500,000) should be conducted to understand the changes needed to address future maximum flood probabilities. Additionally, similar to Esmond in Smithfield, the Town could look to find upstream flood storage areas on protected lands that can help retain water before it reaches the narrow riverine corridor of Peace Dale.

WATER STREET WARREN

STRATEGIES

FERRY

Bracco Laetitia, CC BY 4.0

GeodesignBarriers, CC BY 4.0

Davie Shoring, CC BY 4.0

KEY VULNERABILITIES + FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

KEY VULNERABILITIES

• The Water Street main street district is a dense, low-lying area (average elevation is around 7 feet) that sits at the heart of the Town’s Waterfront Historic District. Despite a mix of revetments and seawalls along the shoreline, the district is increasingly prone to flooding from both current/future coastal storm events that can overtop these hardened flood mitigation measures and pinch off the southern end of the district. Under the current 10% AEP flood event, up to 8+ feet of fringe and penetration flooding is likely to occur on properties west of Water Street abutting the river, and the area near the intersection of Wheaton Street and Water Street could see flood depths of up to 2 to 4 feet, pinching off access to the Warren Wastewater Treatment Facility that lies just beyond the district boundaries

• Being low-lying, this district is also vulnerable to flooding resulting from failures in the stormwater drainage system during current and future high-tide events. Uncontrolled storm drains that would normally carry rainwater out to the river can backflow during larger tidal events, causing "sunny day" flooding that can hamper access to waterfront businesses and accelerate the deterioration of the road surface and historic building foundations in the area.

SUMMARY OF KEY FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

NEAR-TERM STRATEGY (<1-5 YEARS)

STRATEGY 01: INSTALL TIDE GATES + DEPLOY TEMPORARY FLOOD BARRIERS

Install tide gates on uncontrolled outfalls (est. cost range: $15,000 to $20,000 for duckbill valve, depending on diameter) in the district to allow stormwater to flow out but reduce the risk of flooding from near-term tidal and high-probability coastal storm events. Also consider implementing deployable flood barriers – similar to those proposed as a near-term strategy in the neighboring Thames Street district in Bristol – to mitigate flood risks from high-probability near-term flood events. Note: As sea levels continue to rise, and higher-intensity coastal storm events bring flood depths of 8+ feet to areas throughout the district, traditional barriers (e.g., modular perimeter barriers, stop logs, etc.) may no longer be feasible given space and structural constraints.

MID-TERM STRATEGY (5-10 YEARS)

STRATEGY 02: STRUCTURAL ELEVATION

ALONG WATER STREET

As outlined in the stormwater goals and guidelines for resilient redevelopment in the approved Warren Comprehensive Plan, building codes can be adopted to allow historic property owners to elevate their structures over time without losing their historic tax credits or district status. Building owners along Water Street (especially those north of School Street) can then raise their first-floor levels several feet (est. cost range: $150,000 to 300,000 per structure, depending on access, framing structure, and subgrade utilities and foundation) to reduce the risk of current 1% AEP flood events, buying time for this portion of the district to remain open to tourism and the restaurant economy. Note: Many of the structures between Water Street and the river are projected to see flood depths of up to 10+ feet during the 1% AEP flood event, which will make them difficult to elevate and still maintain egress and connectivity to the street.

LONG-TERM STRATEGY (10+ YEARS)

STRATEGY 03: PLAN TO ADDRESS LONG-TERM FLOODING AT THE WASTEWATER FACILITY

While plans to upgrade the facility with elevated switchgears and submersible pumps may help buy time for the current facility to continue providing services to the district and surrounding area, future projected SLR and coastal storms will likely regularly surround the facility. Long-term plans should be established (est. cost range: $300,000 to $500,000) for potentially decommissioning the existing plant (as it reaches the end of its design life) and either relocating critical operations to higher ground or merging services with neighboring municipalities. Any plans for modifying the operations or oversight of critical services in Warren should correspond with strategies for retreat identified in the Market to Metacom plan (2022).

KEY VULNERABILITIES + FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

KEY VULNERABILITIES

• The Apponaug main street district sits in a unique topographic basin, where Hardig Brook meets tidal waters from Apponaug Cove. This area is also home to the Apponaug Circulator and several of Warwick’s critical facilities (e.g., City Hall). This creates conditions in which riverine, coastal, and urban stormwater flooding can combine for increased impacts.

• During heavy rainfall events, Hardig Brook has historically overtopped its banks, inundating the low-lying business district. Recent improvements made during the Apponaug Circulator project incorporated stormwater improvements and relocated portions of the brook for better flow; however, the area still remains a choke point for water moving toward the cove and is likely to be vulnerable to increased inland flooding, as rainfall amounts increase and more developed upland areas continue to drain into the basin.

• Current and future coastal flooding poses a risk to properties in low -lying areas lining Apponaug Cove west of the railroad bridge. Additionally, with increasing SLR and larger coastal storms, water from the cove can push back up the brook and into the drainage system, flooding larger commercial properties and the Warwick City Hall Annex.

SUMMARY OF KEY FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

NEAR-TERM STRATEGY (<1-5 YEARS)

STRATEGY 01: IMPLEMENT GSI IN KEY UPLAND AREAS

The findings of the City’s Municipal Resilience Program Community Resilience Building Workshop (2020) make clear that the implementation of GSI (est. cost range: $15,000 to $20,000 for 4 foot by 8- 9 foot retention cell) is a high-priority action for reducing flooding. Targeting the implementation in key areas upland of the main street district (e.g., along the Centerville Road corridor) will help catch and infiltrate rainwater before it reaches the low-lying basin and Hardig Brook, which will further help the Apponaug Circulator’s drainage system perform during larger rain events, preventing the ponding along a critical roadway connection and impacts to surrounding properties.

MID-TERM STRATEGY (5-10 YEARS)

STRATEGY 02: FLOODPROOF STRUCTURES AT RISK OF NEAR-TERM COASTAL FLOODING

The current 1% AEP coastal flood event is projected to inundate many of the properties along the cove and up the brook near the City Hall Annex. Implementing deployable flood barriers (like those recommended in Bristal and Warren) – along with relocating electrical panels, HVAC systems, and data servers from basements to upper floors or elevated exterior platforms – will help these structures bounce back more quickly in the wake of a larger coastal storm event, which will restore commercial activity and limit disruption to civic services.

LONG-TERM

STRATEGY

STRATEGY (10+

YEARS)

03: PHASED RETREAT FROM ISOLATED AREAS

For select areas in the district that are more likely to be cut off during future daily tidal flooding and larger coastal storm events (e.g., especially properties along Arnold’s Neck Drive), a plan could be established for phased retreat (est. cost range: $250,000 to $300,000) that:

• Focuses first on hardening roadway surfaces through the use of sheet pile cutoff walls so that key evacuation routes can bounce back more quickly in the wake of more frequent inundation; and

• Later pivots to voluntary buyouts and managed retreat to mitigate against longer -term flood risks and disruptions to daily life.

ARCTIC WEST WARWICK

KEY VULNERABILITIES + FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

KEY VULNERABILITIES

• Arctic is a densely developed, historic industrial and commercial hub that sits in a narrow valley connecting the North and South Branches of the Pawtuxet River. It is an area that has also been gradually undergoing redevelopment – with a focus on repurposing old mill buildings and looking for housing development opportunities.

• Although much of this district is buffered from flooding due to its relatively high elevation (when compared to that of the nearby Pawtuxet River), there are still pockets of flooding, namely in the residential area near the base of Baker Street and the area around the approach to the Francis J. LaChapelle Bridge just outside of the district. These areas are both projected to flood as a result of the current and future 1% AEP flood event. The bridge in particular serves as a primary connector between the district and the West Warwick High School, which, if flooded, would force traffic around on Providence Street to the north (and which is also prone to flooding during storm events).

SUMMARY OF KEY FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

NEAR-TERM STRATEGY (<1-5 YEARS)

STRATEGY 01: EVALUATE HYDRAULIC CONNECTIONS + DRAINAGE INFRASTRUCTURE NEAR

BAKER STREET

Based on existing flood mapping data, Baker Street Brook appears to be contained within an underground structure, yet flood mapping shows that this area in the southeast corner of the main street district is prone to flooding from larger 1% AEP flood events. Completing a field survey and hydrologic and hydraulic assessment (est. cost range: $200,000 to $300,000) of this area will help identify the potential causes of flooding in this area – as well as any need for culvert upsize and other drainage infrastructure improvements.

MID-TERM STRATEGY (5-10 YEARS)

STRATEGY 02: STRATEGIC HOME + UTILITY ELEVATIONS

Based on the results of Strategy 01, critical building systems and first-floor entries of the homes near the downhill area of Baker Street may need to be elevated (est. cost range: $150,000 to 300,000 per structure, depending on access, framing structure, and subgrade utilities and foundation) to reduce the risk from larger storm events. This is especially important if improvements to the existing culvert and drainage infrastructure do not reduce modeled flood risks.

LONG-TERM STRATEGY (10+ YEARS)

STRATEGY 03: ROADWAY

ELEVATION ON FACTORY STREET

To allow for long-term access across the Francis J. LaChapelle Bridge via Factory Street, a roadway elevation (est. cost range: $300,000 to $400,000) should be considered to elevate the approach from the eastern side of the bridge to reduce the risk of overtopping from the future 1% AEP flood event. Similarly, the bridge itself should be evaluated to make sure that it can convey future storm flows.

DOWNTOWN WESTERLY

INFRASTRUCTURE:

TEMPORARY FLOOD BARRIER: STOP LOGS

TEMPORARY FLOOD BARRIER: PERIMETER BARRIER

PAWCATUCK RIVER BRIDGE

GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE CORRIDOR DISTRICT BOUNDARY

DEPLOY BUILDING-SCALE FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

INFRASTRUCTURE CORRIDOR

Bracco Laetitia, CC BY 4.0

ChrisHamby, CC BY 4.0

KEY VULNERABILITIES + FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

KEY VULNERABILITIES

• The densely developed downtown Westerly sits in a low-lying area where the Pawcatuck River meets the tidal influence of Little Narragansett Bay, making it vulnerable to riverine/drainage flooding and coastal flooding. During the record-breaking 2010 flood, the river crested at 11+ feet (at the Wood River Junction gauge), completely inundating Canal Street and the lower levels of Main Street within the district. In addition, future coastal flood modeling indicates that the southern portion of Main Street in the district will become inundated by 2 to 4 feet of water during the 10% AEP flood event with 3 feet of SLR.

• Downtown Westerly’s economy relies on important connections to neighboring Pawcatuck, Connecticut (CT), and the rest of southern Rhode Island, known locally as South County. Approaches to key crossings (like the Pawcatuck Bridge) are vulnerable to both current and future projected flooding, forcing longer travel detours and cutting off emergency access to the nearby Westerly Hospital for residents coming through downtown Westerly from CT.

SUMMARY OF KEY FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

NEAR-TERM

STRATEGY (<1-5 YEARS)

STRATEGY 01: UTILIZING REAL-TIME WARNINGS + TEMPORARY FLOOD PROTECTION

With how quickly waters can rise in the Pawcatuck River, the Town could focus near-term on using rivergauge monitoring and reverse 911 systems (est. cost range: $250,000 to $400,000) to give downtown businesses (especially those along Canal Street and Main Street) advance warnings to be able to deploy temporary flood protection barriers (e.g., perimeter barriers, stop logs). These flood mitigation measures will be especially useful in this district as future projected flood depths from a 10% AEP flood event + 3 feet SLR range between 2 to 4 feet for most of downtown Westerly.

MID-TERM STRATEGY (5-10 YEARS)

STRATEGY 02: EXPAND GSI COVERAGE + DE-PAVE IMPERVIOUS

SURFACES

Westerly has already dedicated considerable resources to designing and installing GSI both within the Main Street right-of-way and in bordering parking lots and parcels (est. cost range: $15,000 to $20,000 for 4 foot by 8-9 foot cell). Expanding these practices in places such as Cross Street and upgradient of Main Street – along with de-paving impervious surfaces where possible (est. cost range: $500- $600 per 100 square feet) – will help capture, slow, and infiltrate stormwater before it makes its way to the river.

LONG-TERM STRATEGY (10+ YEARS)

STRATEGY 03:

CO-DEVELOP STRATEGIES FOR LONG-TERM FLOOD RESILIENCE

In the absence of more area-wide coastal flood mitigation measures at the mouth of the Pawcatuck that may limit coastal flooding in the future, Westerly and Pawcatuck, CT should continue to pursue more regional initiatives to promote more resilient redevelopment along the river, including:

• Encouraging more limited development within the floodplain with shared guidelines on setbacks, structural elevations, first-floor uses, etc.

• Developing joint programs for strategic long-term floodplain restoration of properties acquired through voluntary buyouts and managed retreat.

NEXT STEPS

While each main street district has a range of actionable strategies to pursue for reducing flood risks, special consideration should be given to the prioritization and phasing of specific actions.

PRIORITIZE: Address Immediate / “Low -Hanging Fruit” Actions

When limited by budgets and in need of immediate flood mitigation solutions, individual building and property owners should consider implementing lowercost, near-term strategies (e.g., non-structural floodproofing like deployable flood barriers) over more costly investments (e.g., structural floodproofing, building elevation, or relocation). Similarly, municipalities should consider addressing low-hanging fruit strategies (e.g., improving early warning systems and communication protocols, addressing deferred maintenance issues) while strengthening partnerships with the local business community and building support for more capital-intensive actions (e.g., redesign/elevation/relocation of critical facilities or flood barrier upgrades) through convening strategic planning meetings with local business owners and chambers of commerce and/or establishing Resilience Improvement Districts that provide a financing mechanism to address community-scale vulnerabilities and support local economic development.1

PHASE: Set the Foundation for Long-term Action

Many long-term actions require several interim steps that should be pursued in the near- and mid-term to set districts up for success. For example, if some communities decide to pursue programs of long-term phased retreat from more flood-prone areas in the district, they may want to consider a sequence of actions to phase in over time, such as:

• Requiring “Coastal Hazard Applications” for any new development to ensure that property owners are legally aware that their investment is in a zone where the state may not support long-term protection (continued on next page);

• Expanding erosion-based building setbacks over time with increasing sea level rise, and placing limits on the extent of armoring; and

1For example, in 2025, the State of Connecticut passed Senate Bill 9, creating a framework authorizing municipalities to finance capital projects addressing climate change. This follows models used in California and Maryland (Climate Resilience Districts and Resilience Authorities, respectively) by which local governments establish financing and oversight mechanisms for resilience-specific applications.

NEXT STEPS (CONTINUED)

• Providing “exit ramps” such as Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and voluntary buyout programs that allow owners to sell the "right to build" on their flooded land to a developer in a safer, upland "receiving zone“ or provide a mechanism for local governments to buy flooded properties at pre-flood market value, provided the land is then permanently preserved as open space.

FUND: Align Actions with Potential Funding Sources + Gain Support

While there are a limited number of flood mitigation actions that may be selffunded by individual property owners, many of the collective, municipal, or state actions will require funding for implementation. Aligning actions with the aims of key funding mechanisms and gaining support from others in the community are key to securing additional funding needed for further assessment, design, permitting, and construction of the strategies included above. The following pages highlight several federal, state, and other funding mechanisms that can be leveraged to support a variety of actions included in this summary.

CONNECT: Stay Connected With Other Districts In The Region

As business owners, residents, and municipal leaders from across RI’s main street districts begin to implement actions to mitigate near- and long-term flood risks, communities should consider establishing ways to effectively knowledge share on best practices, collaborate on regional initiatives, and team up on funding applications. To facilitate ongoing collaboration, districts can utilize existing programs (e.g., the newly launched Main Street Coordinating Program, managed by Grow Smart RI) and consult key partners (e.g., RI Commerce and the RI Division of Statewide Planning) to establish central hubs and cohorts for sharing technical case studies, peer-to-peer mentoring, and transition from competing for more limited financial resources to submitting joint applications for state and federal grants – helping to create economies of scale and ensure that upstream flood mitigation does not generate more downstream impacts.

POTENTIAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

There are several potential funding opportunities to support implementation projects in the 12 main street districts across Rhode Island, including federal, state, and local funding mechanisms. These opportunities are summarized below with information about eligible uses, unique considerations, and applicable project types for potential funding applicants. The list of potential grant programs covers a wide range of eligible uses, including elevating roadways and assets, implementing nature-based solutions, adaptation of structures, retrofitting assets, among others. Full details about eligible us es, deadlines, applicability, and limitations can be found on the program’s websites (links provided below).

Note: Federal grant programs that have been discontinued (e.g., the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program), as of December 2025, are not included in the list of potential grant opportunities.

Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Grant Program

RI Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) via Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Grant Program RIEMA via FEMA

Potential Applications: Reduce/eliminate flood risk to NFIP-insured structures: property acquisition and demolition, elevation, floodproofing, minor infrastructure modifications; green infrastructure; replace and install water/wastewater/stormwater infrastructure.

Summary: FMA provides funds towards measures that can be taken to reduce or eliminate risk of flood damage to buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Funding is available on an annual basis (as appropriated). An adopted hazard mitigation plans (HMP) is a prerequisite for funding. Check program’s website for updated availability of funding.

Potential Applications: Improvements, replacement, and construction of infrastructure (e.g., stormwater systems, levees, dams, culverts, bridges, roads, water/wastewater, seawalls, etc.); flood mitigation/flood control structures; property and land acquisitions; coastal resilience projects; nature-based solutions; social resilience.

Summary: PDM grant program makes federal funds available to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to plan for and implement sustainable cost-effective measures designed to reduce the risk to individuals and property from future natural hazards, while also reducing reliance on federal funding from future disasters. Check program’s website for updated availability of funding.

Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT)

US Department of Transportation (USDOT)

Potential Applications: Infrastructure improvements (strengthen, elevate, relocate, stabilize, harden, enhance) for roadways and associated assets including culverts and tides gates protecting roadways; risk reduction measures; nature-based solutions.

Summary: PROTECT grants support projects aimed at improving surface transportation resilience to natural hazards, including climate change, sea level rise, flooding, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters. PROTECT grants support planning activities, resilience improvements, community resilience and evacuation routes, and at-risk coastal infrastructure. Check program’s website for updated availability of funding.

POTENTIAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES (cont.)

Program Name Agency

Federal (cont.)

Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program USDOT

Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP)

USDOT, Maritime Administration (MARAD)

National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF)

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

Eligible Uses

Potential Applications: Planning, engineering/design, and/or constructing surface transportation infrastructure (includes ports/ferry terminals) related to safety, environmental sustainability, quality of life, mobility and community connectivity, economic competitiveness and opportunity including tourism, state of good repair, partnership and collaboration, and innovation; improve, replace or rehabilitate a culvert or prevent stormwater runoff for the purpose of improving habitat for aquatic species.

Summary: BUILD provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with a significant local or regional impact. Eligible activities include capital projects for port infrastructure improvements including adjacent roadways. Recent awards include dock reconstruction and design and barge ramp construction to support loading operations.

Potential Applications: Port and ferry landing infrastructure; marine terminal equipment; operational improvements for port resilience (natural or man-made hazards); planning grants are available for development phase activities (e.g., permitting, preliminary engineering and design work, etc.).

Summary: PIDP provides funds for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods into, out of, around, or within a port in both urban and rural areas for planning and capital projects. Check website for updated availability of funding.

Potential Applications: Nature-based solutions include natural and hybrid (“green-gray”) solutions, such as restoring coastal marshes, reconnecting floodplains, rebuilding dunes or other natural buffers, and installing living shorelines.

Summary: NCRF invests in nature-based projects to protect coastal communities from hazards and enhance habitats for fish and wildlife. NFWF prioritizes investments that are community-led or incorporate direct community outreach and engagement.

Potential Applications: Wetland, riparian, in-stream and/or coastal habitat restoration; creation or enhancement of nature-based stormwater management, pollinator gardens, and public open space.

Summary: The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program is a collaboration between NFWF, EPA, and USDA and provides financial assistance to grassroots partnerships for wetland, forest, riparian and coastal habitat restoration, stormwater management, outreach and stewardship with a particular focus on water quality, watersheds and the habitats they support.

Potential Applications: Roadway elevations and hardening; improvements to ferry/boat/dock infrastructure; repairs to historic assets.

Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) Grant Programs

National Park Service (NPS)

Summary: The HPF assists governments and organizations to record, document, repair, and protect properties, landscapes, traditional cultural practices, and archeological sites. The fund also supports planning activities, education, training, and technical assistance activities. There are numerous grant programs housed under the HPF, each with its own requirements (e.g., National Register of Historic Places listing requirements) and funding pools. Check website for updated availability of funding.

Five Star Wetland and Urban Waters Restoration Grants

POTENTIAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES (cont.)

Program Name Agency

State

Municipal Resilience Program (MRP)

Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB)

Stormwater Project Accelerator (SPA)

Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB)

Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program (MIGP)

Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB)

Municipal Road and Bridge Revolving Fund (MRBRF)

Ocean State Climate Adaptation and Resilience (OSCAR) Fund

Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB)

RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), RI Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC), and RIIB

Eligible Uses

Potential Applications: Design, engineering and/or construction for climate resilience projects: dam retrofits or removal, road elevation, floodproofing or elevation of pump stations, berms and levies, culvert resizing, green stormwater infrastructure, solar and battery back-up power, energy efficiency, watershed restoration, urban tree planting, and coastal and riparian resiliency.

Summary: MRP provides direct support to cities and towns to complete a municipal-driven workshop process called Community Resilience Building. Upon successful completion of the MRP workshop, municipalities are designated as “Resilient Rhody Municipalities” allowing them to apply for dedicated MRP Action Grants to implement identified projects. Awards range from $240K–$750K per municipality. 25% local match required.

Potential Applications: Green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and stormwater best management practices that address water quality issues.

Summary: The SPA provides upfront capital for green stormwater infrastructure projects that will eventually be funded through state and local reimbursement grants. It is a loan program.

Potential Applications: Improvements to roads, bridges, sidewalks, water, sewer, and stormwater systems, and park facilities, playgrounds, green spaces.

Summary: MIGP is a competitive grant program providing capital funds for municipalities, and other public entities, to make improvements to public infrastructure. Its overall goal is to support projects that can achieve economic development and growth by accelerating housing production, spurring private development, and creating jobs across Rhode Island. A proposed project must be for improvements to land and/or infrastructure that is currently publicly owned or controlled.

Potential Applications: Capital improvements to roads, bridges, and sidewalks.

Summary: MRBRF is a program through which local governmental units can access affordable, long-term financing for transportation infrastructure projects. Projects are awarded financing based on their ranking on RIDOT's Project Priority List. It is a loan program.

Potential Applications: Protect and enhance coastal/riverine habitats; remove or relocate infrastructure on low-lying public land; restore river and stream floodplains including regrading of banks; revegetation; land acquisition to preserve public access; resize, redesign, or replace culverts and bridge spans at wetland crossings; repair shoreline protection infrastructure.

Summary: The program provides financial assistance in the form of grants for adaptation and resilience projects that protect or enhance coastal or riverine habitats to address the impacts of climate change. The program is limited to projects on public lands. Individual grants typically range from $200K–$400K. Local match encouraged but not required.

POTENTIAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES (cont.)

Program Name Agency

State (cont.)

Climate Resilience Fund RIDEM

Narragansett Bay and Water Restoration Fund (BWRF) Grants RIDEM

Community Block Development Grants

Other

Van Beuren Charitable Foundation (vBCF)’s Major Construction and Landscape Grants

RI Executive Office of Housing via the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Van Beuren Charitable Foundation (vBCF)

Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission’s list of community-specific grant programs Varies

Eligible Uses

Potential Applications: Design, engineering, permitting and construction projects to remove, rebuild, or redesign vulnerable infrastructure; flood mitigation and adaptation projects; nature-based/green infrastructure solutions.

Summary: The Climate Resilience Fund provides funding for restoring and improving the climate resilience of vulnerable coastal habitats, as well as river and stream floodplains and related habitats, including projects that improve community resilience and public safety.

Potential Applications: Non-point source and stormwater pollution control projects; green infrastructure; replacements and retrofits of stormwater management structures; dam removal; flood prevention and flood mitigation projects such as restoration of floodplains, removal of impervious surfaces and re-vegetation in flood-prone areas; culvert replacements; riparian buffer and aquatic habitat restoration projects such as invasive species treatments.

Summary: BWRF grants support the implementation of projects that abate water pollution, restore water quality, and mitigate flooding in Rhode Island.

Potential Applications: Public infrastructure improvements including flood control systems, water, wastewater, and solid waste facilities, and streets and drainage systems.

Summary: The RI Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is intended to develop viable communities by providing decent housing, expanding economic opportunities and creating suitable living environments - primarily for low/moderate income persons (those earning at or below 80% of Area Median Income).

Potential Applications: Planning, design, and implementation and construction projects: building repair, adaptation, renovation and expansion; upgrades to major building systems and equipment (e.g., HVAC, electrical); new construction; major landscape redesign, restoration and improvement, and conservation easements.

Summary: vBCF provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public institutions for projects and activities that advance its mission and priorities. vBCF grants center on Aquidneck Island and surrounding communities but will accept proposals from outside the region that will benefit its people and places.

The RI Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission provides a list of grant programs for preservation, education, collection, documentation, and planning available from other sources such as private foundations, non-profit organizations, charitable trusts, among others. vBCF grant program listed above is one example.

Appendix

A: Summary of Building-Level Adaptation Strategies for Main Street Districts

BUILDING/DISTRICT EVALUATION

Brewster Thornton Group Architects, LLP (BTGA) evaluated twelve Rhode Island districts selected by the State of Rhode Island through a previous evalua on process to assess their overall suscep bility to flooding and adaptability to be more resilient. Our focus was on the commercial buildings within each district. Through this evalua on process, we deemed it per nent to review building resiliency based on severe weather factors that would likely accompany flooding in a natural disaster event, including rain, high winds, and snow. Online GIS and assessment databases were used to iden fy the building addresses, construc on types, year built, and primary heat source. Online street-level imagery was used to verify this informa on to the best of our ability, but it may have errors if available informa on was not current, accurate, or conflic ng. Please also note that addresses are listed by the informa on noted in the local assessment databases, unless more accurate informa on is available, and may not match building mailing addresses. Buildings were given a type based on the following combina on of features deemed most impacçul on their overall sensi vity and adaptability to flooding and associated weather events (See the KEYBUILDINGFEATURES sec on of this document for more informa on):

• Framing Type

• Number of Building Stories

• Year Built

• Interna onal Building Code (IBC) Risk Category

• Roof Angle

• Cladding Material

These building demarca ons allowed us to provide type-specific resiliency recommenda ons. See the FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES sec on of this document. To find your building type by address, please see the BUILDING TYPE BY ADDRESS sec on of this document. Your building may have mul ple primary building materials, resul ng in a secondary type, provided in this list. We define sensi vity as the most suscep ble to damage and harm to human life in flooding and associated weather events. Adaptability is defined as the ability to upgrade the building to reduce its sensi vity, including physical and associated cost constraints.

Each building feature was designated a numerical score for its sensi vity to flooding and associated weather events (1 being the most sensi ve to 4 being the least sensi ve) and its adaptability (1 being the least adaptable to 4 being the most adaptable). Building heat source data was collected but not included in the scoring system, given the inconsistency of informa on available within the databases. Square footages were also collected but not included in the scoring system, given that this informa on was not deemed significantly relevant to the overall sensi vity and adap ve capacity.

Scores were then given a color associated with their magnitude to provide municipali es with a visual understanding of their overall districts’ building sensi vity and adap ve capacity. See the DISTRICTMAPS sec on of this document.

RED 11-12 points

ORANGE 13-14 points

YELLOW 15-16 points

GREEN 17+ points

In addi on to maps depic ng building sensi vity and adap ve capacity, district maps also provide informa on on building use to show overall district composi on, including residen al, non-profit, and government-owned buildings. Though this evalua on is focused on commercial buildings, we felt municipali es would benefit from understanding the risks associated with flooding in these districts based on government and non-profit- owned building uses, given their direct effects on not only the district itself, but the Town/City as a whole. These risks were evaluated solely based on their use and detriment to the Town/City if they were inaccessible due to flooding:

RED Emergency, Military, Transporta on, or U lity Buildings

ORANGE Non-Emergency Healthcare, or Essen al Governmental Buildings

YELLOW Non-Essen al Government Buildings, Churches, Museums, or Gathering Spaces

GREEN Public Restrooms or Parking Structures

This assessment is intended to provide an overall picture of each district and give business owners and government officials the tools to evaluate their own buildings/districts. We always recommend hiring architectural and engineering professionals to evaluate each building on an individual basis.

KEY BUILDING FEATURES

Overall key building features that impact sensi vity and adap ve capacity.

KEY BUILDING FEATURES

FRAMING TYPE

WOOD FRAMING

The primary building structure is made of wood or mber framing.

Sensi!vity

This type of construc on was common in the pre20th century due to high-quality material availability, low cost, design flexibility, and aesthe c appeal. It is, however, vulnerable to natural disasters like fire, flooding, and high winds, as well as pest infesta on.

Adap!ve Capacity

Wood framing offers limited resilience against severe weather. If damaged by a natural disaster, it o"en requires replacement rather than repair. Building owners should engage a professional to iden fy weak points that can be reinforced or replaced. Adding shear walls and strapping should be considered to improve stability during high-wind events. Owners should evaluate their ability to meet or exceed all building code-required structural requirements due to the increasing frequency of severe weather. The structural evalua on costs are low compared to the damage that could be caused. Note that the scope of recommended work will vary significantly based on the exis ng construc on.

MASONRY FRAMING

The primary building structure is made of concrete, CMU block, or brick.

Sensi!vity

This type of construc on became prominent in mill buildings in the early 1900s due to its durability. Brick is o"en aesthe cally a preferred choice in exterior materials in modern-day, but installa on is more expensive. Masonry-framed buildings are typically highly durable and resistant to natural disasters due to their strength and resistance to water.

Adap!ve Capacity

Masonry structures are highly resilient. These structures are not as suscep ble to water damage from temporary flooding and storms. Building Owners should perform rou ne maintenance on masonry structures, including patching of deteriora ng sealant, removal of any rus ng metal, repair of windows, and repoin ng to avoid water infiltra on and structural degrada on. Founda ons should have a moisture barrier on the exterior to prevent water infiltra on and through wall falshing to prevent rising damp. Building Owners should plan for repoin ng and maintenance long-term to keep costs manageable. Repoin ng is the process of removing and replacing deteriorated mortar between masonry units.

METAL FRAMING

The primary building structure is made of steel.

Sensi!vity

The use of steel in commercial construc on is popular due to its strength, durability, flexibility in design, and ability to span long distances. It has a high strength-to-weight ra o and duc lity, which gives it the ability to bend without breaking under intense pressure during natural disasters. Steel buildings are typically designed with reinforced connec ons, bracing, and anchoring systems to prevent upli" and displacement. It is a non-combus ble material, though fireproofing is required to maintain performance under high heat. It’s preferred for roof structures due to its ability to carry high snow loads. Unlike wood, steel does not absorb water, warp, rot, or swell, which helps maintain structural integrity and prevent mold growth.

Adap!ve Capacity

Steel structures excel at mee ng code requirements for buildings in high-wind zones. It is recommended that exis ng buildings be evaluated and upgraded to comply with current standards, given the increasing frequency of severe storms. Steel requires ongoing maintenance, including the applica on of protec ve coa ngs to prevent corrosion and rust. Building owners should engage a structural engineer to assess their structures and iden fy opportuni es for reinforcement.

CATEGORY I

These buildings likely have no loss of life in the event of building collapse during a natural disaster. They are the most likely to fail and become a projec le in the event of a major storm.

Building owners are not encouraged to store valuable materials in these types of buildings. Elimina on of these buildings is preferable to eliminate them as possible projec les, causing harm to other buildings, property, people, and power systems.

CATEGORY II

The collapse of this building type during a natural disaster would likely result in some loss of life.

Occupants of this building can easily be evacuated and housed temporarily.

CATEGORY III

The collapse of this building type during a natural disaster would likely result in a major catastrophic event due to the number of occupants.

Gatherings in these spaces should be limited during a natural disaster to emergency needs only, including being used as temporary shelters, only if the building meets high resiliency standards noted in other sec ons of this evalua on.

CATEGORY IV

These buildings are essen al to servicing the town in emergencies and are cri cal to keep opera onal before, during, and a!er a natural disaster to help prevent loss of life.

These types of buildings should not be located in highly suscep!ble areas to natural disasters. Most significantly, they should be located out of the flood plane to prevent loss of needed emergency response systems that would result in loss of life throughout the community they serve.

1 STORY

One-story buildings limit the space where building systems (structural, mechanical, electrical, data/ IT, and plumbing) and other cri cal elements are located. Employees and patrons can become more easily trapped in flash flooding events, limi ng their ability to get above the flood line. Building contents and finishes would more likely be a total loss. The upside is that they provide less surface area for wind to put pressure on building structures.

While adding addi onal floors to a one-story building may be feasible for some, this is a significant undertaking for most Building Owners. ADA access also becomes extremely costly and o!en unrealis c. If feasible, mechanical units should be located on the roof, and access hatches should be installed to provide emergency egress out of flooding. Water!ght storage boxes could be used to store products and valuables quickly.

2 OR MORE STORIES

Buildings with two or more stories offer significant advantages during flooding by providing ver cal refuge for occupants and space to store materials and valuables above the flood line. However, taller structures come with trade-offs, including slower evacua on mes and increased wind loads due to their larger profiles, which require enhanced structural design and bracing.

Mul -story buildings offer greater flexibility to relocate cri!cal building systems above the flood plain, reducing vulnerability to water damage. Retrofi%ng for addi onal egress—such as exterior stairs or fire escapes—is feasible but may require significant planning and investment to meet structural and code requirements. Building owners should evaluate opportuni es to provide at least two exits from upper floors, even when not mandated by code, to enhance occupant safety during emergencies.

PRE 20TH CENTURY 1900 OR EARLIER)

Buildings constructed before the 1900s that remain standing today are o en built with high-quality materials and excepÅonal cra smanship, contribuÅng to their durability. Many of these materials and techniques are no longer widely available or economically feasible in modern construcÅon. Despite their resilience, such buildings typically do not meet current building codes and standards for structural safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility unless they have undergone significant renovaÅon.

Older buildings can be challenging to retrofit while preserving historic character. Building codes typically require full upgrades to non-compliant systems when renovaÅons occur, though historic structures may receive leniency under provisions in the InternaÅonal ExisÅng Building Code (IEBC) or local preservaÅon regulaÅons. Upgrades o!en include electrical moderniza"on to meet current standards and support modern building systems. Structural improvements, such as reinforcing roof framing, are frequently necessary to comply with wind and load requirements. Replacing aging components like roofs, doors, windows, and siding enhances resilience. Weatherproofing significantly reduces vulnerability to wind-driven rain and flooding. Building owners should use hurricane-rated materials where possible. External flood barriers, such as retaining walls or berms, can provide addi"onal protec"on, subject to site condi"ons and local codes. Sandless flood bags offer an inexpensive, easily stored emergency op"on. When evaluaÅng upgrade costs, consider potenÅal reducÅons in insurance premiums as part of the financial analysis.

EARLY TO MID-20TH CENTURY (1900-1960s)

Between 1900 and 1950, construcÅon shi ed from tradiÅonal hand-hewn Åmber framing to factoryproduced dimensional lumber, which was faster and more affordable. Balloon framing, where verÅcal studs run conÅnuously, uninterrupted, from foundaÅon to the roof, became popular during this period for similar reasons, but its inherent fire risk led to a gradual transiÅon to pla"orm framing by the 1930s–1940s. While the manufacturing of building materials increased significantly, building codes were limited and varied by jurisdicÅon. As a result, structures from this era typically do not meet modern building standards for fire safety, structural loads, and energy efficiency unless they have been renovated.

Similar strategies for improving resilience (structural reinforcement, weatherproofing, and system upgrades) apply to early 20th-century buildings as they do to pre-20th-century structures. These buildings may be considered as contribuÅng to historic districts and, therefore, may require the preservaÅon of exterior appearance and historic detailing. As Åme passes, these buildings will increasingly meet the threshold for historic designaÅon, making their architectural features more significant.

LATE 20TH TO 21ST CENTURY (1970-PRESENT)

Regional building codes such as BOCA, UBC, and SBC became widely adopted during the late-20th century, improving safety and consistency in construcÅon. The InternaÅonal Building Code (IBC) was introduced in 2000 to unify these standards. Buildings constructed since the 1970s typically incorporate modern materials and structural systems, making them easier to upgrade. However, they may require improvements for energy efficiency, accessibility, and hazard resistance to fully comply with today’s codes.

Buildings from this period are generally stable and reasonably resilient. However, many do not meet current code for systems such as electrical capacity, fire safety, or accessibility. These deficiencies can typically be resolved through targeted upgrades rather than full-scale reconstrucÅon. Recommended measures include installing modern electrical panels,

adding fire-rated assemblies, improving egress routes, and enhancing weatherproofing. Reloca ng mechanical and electrical equipment above the established flood line reduces damage risk and ensures opera onal con nuity during extreme weather events Structures built before 2000 o!en lackcoastalresiliencefeaturessuchashurricaneclips, hold-downs, and con"nuous load paths. Retrofi"ng theseelements—byaddingmetalconnectorsat roof-to-walljoints,anchoringwallstofounda ons, andreinforcingroofdecking—significantlyimproves windresistanceandstructuralintegrity.

CLADDING

SHINGLE/CLAPBOARD SIDING

These are the most common materials used to enclose wood-framed buildings. They are the most vulnerable to detaching from the building structure during a natural disaster. Wood materials are more suscep"ble to fire, water infiltra"on, high damage, and pest infesta"on. They also require the most maintenance.

Buildingownersshouldconsiderreplacingwood claddingandtrimwithfiber-cementorcomposite (PVC)sidingproducts, which provide excep"onal durability, longevity, and low-maintenance performance. These materials are non-combus"ble, resist wind damage be#er than wood, and—when installed correctly—significantly reduce water intrusion, protec"ng structural elements and interior contents. While composite products have slightly higher upfront costs than wood, they last significantly longer and requires less maintenance, o!en resul"ng in lower lifecycle costs. They are considered environmentally responsible primarily because of their durability and longevity. Resilient cladding installa"on require skilled professionals to ensure proper flashing and detailing to prevent improper installa"on that can lead to leaks.

MASONRY CLADDING

These building materials are the least likely to detach from the building structure during a natural disaster and are considered highly durable, fire and pest resistant, and have low maintenance over their significantly long life span. Masonry-sided buildings, especially brick, can come with high installa"on costs. Brick facades are suscep"ble to moisture damage if not properly installed.

Buildingownersshouldhavetheirmasonryfacades inspectedperiodicallyforgeneralmaintenanceand repairs. If there are moisture concerns, a professional should review the installa"on methods to determine if proper drainage planes and weep holes are provided.

ALUMINUM CLADDING

Metal siding is low maintenance and fire, water, and pest resistant. It does come with higher installa"on costs and is more prone to damage, especially in natural disasters. Damage to this material can lead to rus"ng if not repaired/replaced. It also has the poten"al for acous"cal issues in heavy rain and hailstorms.

Metal siding is rela"vely easy to replace if damaged. Buildingownersshouldinspecttheirbuildings rou nely,especiallya#erstormevents,andpatch orreplacedamagedareas. Metal is suscep"ble to rust in coastal environments and should be regularly maintained.

PLASTIC CLADDING

This material has no resistance to natural disasters and would increase force against the structure if le! in place during a high wind event. Tents and other temporary structures, typically made of this plas"c cladding, offer no protec"on from lightning and wind speeds over 30 mph, which could result in collapse.

Buildingownersshouldtakedowntemporary buildingsduringanystormeventtopreventdamage tothemandthesurroundingbuildings. The collapse of these buildings is much more likely and could result in loss of life.

LOCATION OF FLOOR LEVEL

Buildings located with the first floor below the FEMA Base Flood Eleva"on are more sensi"ve to flooding. Owners should confirm the lowest floor eleva"on rela"ve to the FEMA Base Flood Eleva"on. The rising desire to elevateexis ngbuildingsoutofthe floodplain is becoming more prac"cal due to FEMA grants, costs offse&ng rising flood insurance prices, and more compe""on/proficiency in this industry. Addi"onal space is needed to provide accessible ramps.

BASEMENTSROOF TYPE

BASEMENTS

New England construc on oÅen includes basements, op mizing space with needed founda on foo ngs required below the frost line. These spaces are where building u lity systems are typically located, making them suscep ble to flooding and compromising the building founda on.

Basements are not recommended in severely floodprone areas, but infilling is costly and generally imprac cal. Instead, owners should conduct regular founda on inspec ons to iden fy cracks, leaks, and deteriora on that could lead to water infiltra on. Where feasible, install concrete slabs, sump pumps, and dehumidifiers to manage rising groundwater and humidity. Perimeter solu ons such as French drains and under-slab drainage planes can help divert water away from the founda on. Relocate building systems from basements to less flood-prone floor levels to protect u"lity equipment. Addi onally, installing flood vents where possible can reduce hydrosta c pressure on founda on walls and allow water to exit during flooding events.

CRAWLSPACES

Crawlspaces should be treated similarly to a basement with regular inspec ons and floodproofing measures. Vented, uncondi oned crawlspaces are preferred. Remove building systems from these spaces. The interior grade should be higher than or level with the exterior grade, and the exterior grade should slope away from the building.

NO BASEMENTS

Buildings without basements are less subject to below-grade infiltra on, and key u lity equipment is likely already situated above the floodplain. Nonetheless, building owners should s ll confirm the lowest floor eleva on rela ve to the FEMA Base Flood Eleva on to document how water can enter the founda on or other building components during a flood event.

PITCHED ROOF

Pitched roofs are common in Rhode Island due to aesthe cs, structural requirements, and the ability to more easily shed water and snow loads. They are, however, most suscep ble to wind damage and require more stringent fastening of roof materials to prevent them from becoming airborne in a high-wind event. Lost shingles can also result in roof damage and leaks.

The only way to make a pitched roof more adaptable and resilient to natural disasters would be to replace wood/asphalt shingles with metal, slate, or clay les, which are significantly more durable, resilient against high winds, and provide longer life spans. Metal roofs are especially resilient against high winds, heavy rains, and hail. Metal roofs have significantly higher ini al costs, upwards of 2x-4x the price of asphalt shingles. Slate and clay les are even more expensive; however, given their longer life span, their life me costs are oÅen equal to shingles.

FLAT ROOF

Flat roofs have more stringent structural requirements to carry stagnant snow loads. The design of flat roofs also requires thought around water shed capabili es and blockage of ven ng. Flat rooms typically have lower upfront costs and are easier to access for maintenance. Materials used on flat roofs typically do not become air-borne due to their makeup, angle, and installa on. Flat roofs have a shorter lifespan and higher maintenance costs overall due to their suscep bility to water-related issues.

Flat roofs provide space to install mechanical units above poten al flood lines and allow for areas of refuge in the event of a significant flood. Building owners should consider providing easy access to roo#ops and reloca"ng mechanical units to these spaces. Structural load requirements should be reviewed by a structural engineer before any unit is relocated to the roof to prevent a poten al failure. It’s important to maintain a flat roof, inspec ng for pooling water and leaks regularly, to avoid significant damage.

HEAT SOURCE

GAS HEAT

Natural gas requires significantly less space and is more resistant to natural disasters because it is piped in from a main source, underground, to each building. Propane is a common backup system for heat sources because it can be stored on-site and does not require the building be connected to any outside systems. In the event of a loss of fuel supply, building owners can easily (and oÅen automaçcally) switch to propane for the temporary use of their necessiçes. Natural gas is reliable and efficient. It has significant pros and cons in terms of sustainability. The US has an abundant supply of natural gas, making it a dependable source. Infrastructure is more expensive to install, and it comes with significant health risks in the event of a leak. Natural gas can be easily disconnected during a disaster to prevent explosion/leakage into a building.

Many building owners in Rhode Island are conver!ng to natural gas as electricity costs rise and targeted pipeline capacity enhancements improve availability. Natural gas systems are generally more resilient than overhead electric lines during storms, though localized outages remain possible. Business owners should weigh all costs associated with conversion, including trenching, service line installaçon, and appliance replacement. While upfront costs vary, natural gas can offer long-term savings compared to high electricity rates.

OIL HEAT

Oil is a common fuel source in residençal buildings, especially those built before 1950, due to its accessibility and lower cost. On-site storage eliminates the need for street connecçons or pipelines, but oil prices are subject to significant volaçlity. Oil furnaces typically have a lifespan of 30 years or more and are oÅen installed in basements, where flooding can damage equipment and increase the risk of tank displacement and spills. Oil leaks pose less immediate explosion or inhalaçon risk than natural gas, but can cause environmental contaminaçon if not properly contained. Proper storage is essençal to minimize fire hazards and prevent exacerbaçng a building fire.

Though oil heaçng is the most common, it’s also the least adaptable to protect from flooding and other natural disasters. Relocaçng an oil tank above the flood line is oÅen not realisçc due to high costs, required space, and providing a safe area for containing combusçble materials. Refueling may become impossible if trucks can not access flooded areas. Building owners should schedule fuel deliveries in advance of pending storm events and consider installing backup or portable generators above the flood line when possible.

ELECTRIC HEAT

Electric heat comes in the form of baseboard heaters, wall units, radiant flooring, or portable space heaters. Electric furnaces and water heaters are also available. Electric heaçng is considered renewable and sustainable. It’s also considered safer than other heat sources. It can oÅen be generated on-site through solar panels and other renewable energy sources if enough space is present. It is readily available and considered economical due to its lower infrastructure and maintenance costs. Current volaçlity in the regulaçon of electric companies and pricing standards is a deterrent. It makes buildings dependent on the electric grid. Overhead electrical lines make buildings highly suscepçble to power outages due to downed trees, poles, and other line damage. Electric companies need to pinpoint and repair numerous damaged areas during the course of a natural disaster, oÅen leading to prolonged periods without power. It limits building owners in their ability to use gas appliances, oÅen found in businesses like restaurants, requiring a backup propane fuel source.

Building owners and municipali!es should both consider reloca!ng power lines underground and installing solar panels with the ability to store and tap into energy off the grid during and a$er a natural disaster. Building owners should consider integraçng ba#ery storage or backup generators to miçgate outage risks. Numerous grant programs are oÅen available for these acçviçes to miçgate costs.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING TYPE SUMMARY

A breakdown of building type a ributes.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING TYPE SUMMARY

TYPE 1

• Wood Framed Construc on

• Built Pre-20th Century (1900-Later)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Pitched Roof

• Shingle or Metal Siding

TYPE 1A

• Wood Framed Construc on

• Built Early to Mid 20th Century (1900-1960s)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Pitched Roof

• Shingle or Metal Siding

TYPE 1B

• Wood Framed Construc on

• Built Late 20th to 21st Century (1970s-Now)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Pitched Roof

• Shingle or Metal Siding

TYPE 1C

• Wood Framed Construc on

• Built Pre-20th Century (1900-Later)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen alor Commercial Use)

• Pitched Roof

• Shingle or Metal Siding

TYPE 1D

• Wood Framed Construc on

• Built Early to Mid 20th Century (1900-1960s)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Flat Roof

• Shingle or Metal Siding

TYPE 1E

• Wood Framed Construc on

• Built Late 20th to 21st Century (1970s-Now)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Flat Roof

• Shingle or Metal Siding

TYPE 1F

• Wood Framed Construc on

• Built Pre-20th Century (1900-Later)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Pitched Roof

• Masonry Siding

TYPE 1G

• Wood Framed Construc on

• Built Early to Mid 20th Century (1900-1960s)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Pitched Roof

• Masonry Siding

TYPE 1H

• Wood Framed Construc on

• Built Late 20th to 21st Century (1970s-Now)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Pitched Roof

• Masonry Siding

TYPE 1I

• Wood Framed Construc on

• Built Pre-20th Century (1900-Later)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen alor Commercial Use)

• Flat Roof

• Masonry Siding

TYPE 1J

• Wood Framed Construc on

• Built Early to Mid 20th Century (1900-1960s)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Flat Roof

• Masonry Siding

TYPE 1K

• Wood Framed Construc on

• Built Late 20th to 21st Century (1970s-Now)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Flat Roof

• Masonry Siding

COMMERCIAL BUILDING TYPE SUMMARY

TYPE 2

• Masonry Framed Construc on

• Built Pre-20th Century (1900-Later)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Flat Roof

• Masonry Siding

TYPE 2A

• Masonry Framed Construc on

• Built Early to Mid 20th Century (1900-1960s)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Flat Roof

• Masonry Siding

TYPE 2B

• Masonry Framed Construc on

• Built Late 20th to 21st Century (1970s-Now)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Flat Roof

• Masonry Siding

TYPE 2C

• Masonry Framed Construc on

• Built Pre-20th Century (1900-Later)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen alor Commercial Use)

• Pitched Roof

• Masonry Siding

TYPE 2D

• Masonry Framed Construc on

• Built Early to Mid 20th Century (1900-1960s)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Pitched Roof

• Masonry Siding

TYPE 2E

• Masonry Framed Construc on

• Built Late 20th to 21st Century (1970s-Now)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Pitched Roof

• Masonry Siding

TYPE 2F

• Masonry Framed Construc on

• Built Pre-20th Century (1900-Later)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Flat Roof

• Masonry Siding

TYPE 2G

• Masonry Framed Construc on

• Built Early to Mid 20th Century (1900-1960s)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Flat Roof

• Shingle or Metal Siding

TYPE 2H

• Masonry Framed Construc on

• Built Late 20th to 21st Century (1970s-Now)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Flat Roof

• Shingle or Metal Siding

TYPE 2I

• Masonry Framed Construc on

• Built Pre-20th Century (1900-Later)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen alor Commercial Use)

• Pitched Roof

• Shingle or Metal Siding

TYPE 2J

• Masonry Framed Construc on

• Built Early to Mid 20th Century (1900-1960s)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Pitched Roof

• Shingle or Metal Siding

TYPE 2K

• Masonry Framed Construc on

• Built Late 20th to 21st Century (1970s-Now)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Pitched Roof

• Shingle or Metal Siding

COMMERCIAL BUILDING TYPE SUMMARY

TYPE 3

• Metal Framed Construc on

• Built Pre-20th Century (1900-Later)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Pitched Roof

• Shingle or Metal Siding

TYPE 3A

• Metal Framed Construc on

• Built Early to Mid 20th Century (1900-1960s)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Pitched Roof

• Shingle or Metal Siding

TYPE 3B

• Metal Framed Construc on

• Built Late 20th to 21st Century (1970s-Now)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Pitched Roof

• Shingle or Metal Siding

TYPE 3C

• Metal Framed Construc on

• Built Early to Mid 20th Century (1900-1960s)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen alor Commercial Use)

• Flat Roof

• Masonry Siding

TYPE 3D

• Metal Framed Construc on

• Built Late 20th to 21st Century (1970s-Now)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Flat Roof

• Masonry Siding

TYPE 3E

• Metal Framed Construc on

• Built Late 20th to 21st Century (1970s-Now)

• IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al or Commercial Use)

• Flat Roof

• Shingle or Metal Siding

TYPE 4

• IBC Risk Factor I (Buildings without Occupants)

TYPE 5

• Wood Framed Construc on

• Built Pre-20th Century (1900-Later)

• IBC Risk Factor III (High-Occupancy Building)

• Pitched Roof

• Masonry Siding

TYPE 5A

• Masonry Framed Construc on

• Built Early to Mid 20th Century (1900-1960s)

• IBC Risk Factor III (High-Occupancy Building)

• Pitched Roof

• Masonry Siding

TYPE 5B

• Metal Framed Construc on

• Built Late 20th to 21st Century (1970s-Now)

• IBC Risk Factor III (High-Occupancy Building)

• Pitched Roof

• Metal or Plas c Siding

TYPE 5C

• Wood Framed Construc on

• Built Pre-20th Century (1900-Later)

• IBC Risk Factor III (High-Occupancy Building)

• Pitched Roof

• Shingle Siding

DISTRICT MAPS

Color-coded maps showing the sensi vity and adaptability of the assessed buildings.

BRISTOL (Thames Street)

Bristol’s main waterfront district is lined with historic buildings from various eras that embody typical New England coastal town character, from converted brick mill buildings to 19th-century wood-framed mixed commercial/residen al blocks. Originally laid out in 1680 on a planned grid, one of the earliest in the region, the Thames Street area was focused on mari me commerce and is now recognized by the Na onal Register of HistoricPlaces.Inthecolonialandearly19thcenturies,theareawaslinedwithwharves,warehouses,andshops that supported Bristol’s role as an ac ve port on NarraganseÅ Bay. Today, it’s one of Bristol’s main commercial hubs,boas ngawalkablestripofrestaurants,stores,andopenspace,infilledwithamixofluxuryandaffordable housing.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING TYPES

Type

DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSETS

NEWPORT (Thames Street)

Newport’s Thames Street and surrounding district evolved from its 17th-century origins as a vital waterfront artery, seeing con nuous commercial growth as a seaport. The area adapted from early mber wharves to a bustlingcommercialcenter.Today,it’soneofRhodeIsland’smaintouristaÅrac ons,knownforitsdiversemixof historic and modern-day, densely packed, mixed-use buildings. Narrow sidewalks coupled with smaller building scaleandtheircloseproximitytothestreetevokehistoricurbandesign.ThisdistrictisvitaltoNewport’seconomy, suppor ngawidevarietyofindependentandlocalsmallbusinessesandprovidingjobstoitsrestaurants,shops, hotels, and marinas.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING TYPES

Type 1 23%

Type 1A 5%

Type 1B 40%

Type 1C 5%

Type 1D 0.75%

Type 1F 0.5%

Type 1I 0.5%

Type 2 8%

Type 2A 2.5%

Type 2B 4.5%

Type 2C 1.5%

Type 2D 3%

Type 2E 3%

Type 2H 0.5%

Type 3A 0.5%

Type 3B 0.5%

Type 3E 0.5%

Type 5B 0.75%

DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSETS

DISTRICT MAKEUP

NEW SHOREHAM (Downtown)

New Shoreham was officially incorporated in 1672 and remains the only town on Block Island. The area was originally developed as a seaside resort in the late 1800s and early 1900s, with a large concentraÅon of Second Empire-style buildings close to the ferry landing. These buildings are recognizable by their disÅncÅve mansard roofs and ornamented facades. The district includes numerous inns and coçages to support its summer tourist influx, its primary source of revenue. The surrounding residenÅal neighborhoods have oêen been converted to include small commercial shops on their properÅes. The majority of buildings are wood-framed construcÅon with shingle or clapboard siding. The Town relies on its ferry ports, marinas, and beaches to draw tourism.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING TYPES

DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSETS

www.northkingstownri.gov/

NORTH KINGSTOWN (Wickford Village)

Wickford Village was laid out in the early 1700s, rapidly becoming a mari me, shipbuilding, and trading center thanks to its loca on on a naturally protected harbor on NarraganseÅ Bay. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, the town grew to include homes, shops, banks, schools, and civic buildings, largely comprised of typical woodframed construc on. Though the 1938 hurricane caused widespread damage throughout the area, strong historic preserva on efforts helped maintain Wickford’s remarkable collec on of colonial and 19th-century architecture, making it one of the largest intact historic villages in the Northeast. Today, the area is primarily home to residen al buildings, bou que shops, and art galleries, making up a walkable commercial district.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING TYPES

Type 1 52%

Type 1A 5.8%

Type 1B 13.4%

Type 1C 5.8%

Type 1D 1.9%

Type 1I 5.8%

Type 2

Type 2A 3.9%

Type 2C 3.8%

Type 2D 1.9%

Type 2E 1.9%

Type 2F 1.9%

DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSETS

DISTRICT MAKEUP

Church Rest Rooms

PORTSMOUTH (Island Park)

Island Park was originally developed in the early 1900s as a trolley park, an amusement des na on at the end of a railway line. The area quickly became an aÅrac on with the construc on of rollercoasters, dance halls, tea rooms, and more along the waterfront area sandwiched between the Sakonnet River and Blue Bill Cove. Unfortunately,itwasshort-livedwhenthe1938hurricaneleveledthedistrictwithahuge dalsurge.Over me, theareawasrebuiltasaresiden alneighborhoodforsummercoÅages,whichtransi onedintofull- mehomes over the mid-20th century. The quiet coastal community is now home to numerous local eateries supported by both beach-goers and year-round locals. Stricter building codes have led to numerous elevated buildings in this area, for fied by a flood wall built along the beach edge.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING TYPES

Type 1A 60%

Type 1B 5%

Type 1D 5%

Type 2A 5%

Type 2D 10%

Type 2G 10%

Type 4 5%

DISTRICT MAKEUP

Residen al Buildings

Residen al Units

PROVIDENCE (Olneyville-Valley St)

Se lement in the Olneyville-Valley area began in the early 18th century, named aÅer Christopher Olney, who establishedthegristandpapermills,manysçllstandingalongtheWoonasquatucketRiver.Theriverwascentral to early industrial development in the Providence area, quickly expanding to the State capitol due to its central locaçon, access to the waterway, and influx of masonry commercial buildings. AÅer World War II, the texçle industrydeclined,andfactorieseitherclosedorrelocatedtosouthernstates.Manyofthesemillbuildingswere vacantforyears.Starçngaroundthe1980s,grassrootsorganizaçonshavebeenrevitalizingthearea,repurposing these masonry buildings for housing, commercial spaces, and art studios in an effort to support its rich cultural roots and provide equitable development.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING TYPES

Type 1 9.3%

Type 1A 6.2%

Type 1B 1%

Type 1D 2%

Type 1E 5.2%

Type 2 17.6%

Type 2A 36%

Type 2B 14.5%

Type 2C 1%

Type 2D 3.1%

Type 2E 3.1%

Type 5A 1%

DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSETS

www.nsmithfieldri.gov

SMITHFIELD (Esmond)

The Esmond area, originally named Allenville, was named a er Philip Allen, the original owner of the coÅon mill buildings. The space was sold in the early 1900s and rebuilt into large modern brick mill buildings. Located neartheWoonasquatucketRiver,themillbuildingsaretheprimarycommercialspace,surroundedbyresidençal neighborhoods that housed the industry’s workforce. A er the texçle industry declined a er World War II, the Esmond Mill complex closed as a manufacturing site around 1948. Recent historic preservaçon efforts have led to an influx of varying businesses.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING TYPES

Type 1A 27.5%

Type 1B 4.5%

Type 1J 4.5%

Type 2A 50%

Type 2B 4.5%

Type 2E 4.5%

Type 2K 4.5%

SOUTH KINGSTOWN (Peace Dale)

Peace Dale’s history is deeply ed to tex le manufacturing, founded by local industrialist Rowland Hazard in 1793, located along the Saugatucket River. The mill complex expanded during the 1800s, becoming a major employerandindustrialcenter.TheHazardfamily,employingthecommunity,beganbuildinghousing,churches, andotherpublicbuildingsaroundtheirmills.Today,thePeaceDaleHistoricDistrictislargelycomprisedofthese mills and suppor ng structures, which vary widely across eras and construc on types. The mill buildings have been repurposed into other commercial businesses.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING TYPES

Type 1

Type 1A

Type 1B

Type 1C

Type 1D

Type 1F

Type 1G

Type 1I

Type 2

Type 2A

Type 2B

Type 2C

Type 2D

Type 2G

Type 3B

Type 3E

Type 4

MAKEUP

DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSETS

WARREN (Water Street)

Downtown Warren is rich in architectural character rooted in its mari me, industrial, and civic history — with a well-preserved mix of 18th– to early 20th-century styles across its commercial core, waterfront, and residen al streets. Much of this area is part of the Warren Waterfront Historic District, reflec ng a diverse mix of historic building types and styles that together give the area its dis nc ve character. The dense streetscapes are lined withcommercialbuildingsofmodestbrickandwoodstructureswithfirst-floorstorefrontsandresiden alabove. Residen alblocksbranchoffofthemainstreet,featuringamixofColonial,Federal,GreekRevival,andVictorian era homes. Adap ve reuse of historic buildings (for housing, galleries, studios, and community uses) helps preserve this character while keeping the area vibrant and walkable.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING TYPES

Type 1

Type 1A 9.8%

Type 1B

Type 1C 2%

Type 1F 2%

Type 2B

Type 2C 11.8%

Type 2D 7.8%

Type 2E 3.9%

Type 2I 2%

Type 3A 3.9%

Type 3B 3.9%

WARWICK (Apponaug)

Apponaug is one of Warwick’s oldest se led areas (established in 1696) and historically served as a crossroads, seaport, and later a mill village, which shaped its architectural development. Colonial & Federal Era ResidenÅal – The core of Apponaug’s historic architecture consists of 18th- and early 19th-century houses. Only a limited number of historic structures remain, as many have been altered or replaced due to 20th-century commercial developmentandroadexpansion.OngoingrevitalizaÅon,includingadapÅvereuseoftheformermillsandtraffic calming measures aimed at balancing historic character with economic vibrancy.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING TYPES

Type 1 17.4%

Type 1A 15.4%

Type 1B 5.8%

Type 1C 1.9%

Type 1J 1.9%

Type 2A 11.5%

Type 2B 11.5%

Type 2D

Type 2E

WEST WARWICK (Ar c)

Arc c is a historic mill village neighborhood in West Warwick, part of the town’s industrial landscape along the Pawtuxet River. This area was historically dominated by tex le manufacturing and reflects 19th-century industrialarchitecture—largestonemillbuildings,bridges,dams,andworkers’housing.Thehistoricmillshave sincebeenadaptedintocommercialandresiden alspaces.Today,thereisagrowinginfluxofcontemporaryart to the area, highligh ng its juxtaposi on with these historic mills. Nearby historic houses and public buildings represent a broader range of architectural styles.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING TYPES

Type 1 13.5%

Type 1A 9%

Type 1B 2.5%

Type 1C 5.6%

Type 1D 7.9%

Type 1F 2.2%

Type 1G 5.6%

Type 1H 2.2%

Type 1I 4.5%

Type 1J 11.2%

Type 1K 1%

Type 2 4.5%

Type 2A 13.5%

Type 2B 3.4%

Type 2C 1%

Type 2D 2.5%

Type 2E 2.5%

Type 2F 1%

Type 3B 1%

Type 3C 3.4%

Type 3D 1%

Type 5 1%

DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSETS

DISTRICT MAKEUP

89 Commercial Buildings

301 Residen al Buildings

700 Residenital Units

WESTERLY (Downtown)

Downtown Westerly is rich with a variety of architectural character, reflecÅng its growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and its role as a civic, commercial, and transportaÅon hub. Much of downtown is part of the Westerly Downtown Historic District, with late Victorian & 19th-Century commercial architecture. Many of the brick buildings feature Victorian-era proporÅons and details. The historic district features Classical Revival, RenaissanceRevival,ArtDeco,andSpanishColonialinfluencesincivicandinsÅtuÅonalbuildingserectedbetween roughly1900and1930.Thedistrictisawalkablegridofhistoriccommercialstorefrontswithupper-storyoffices and residences. The town hall, library, post office, and banks lend the downtown area a monumental feel.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING TYPES

Type 1 8%

Type 1A 8%

Type 1B 3%

Type 1D 3%

Type 1F 1%

Type 1G 1%

Type 2 22%

Type 2A 21%

Type 2B 3%

Type 2C 4%

Type 2D 10%

Type 2E 4%

Type 2H 2%

Type 2I 3%

Type 2J 4%

Type 2K 2%

Type 5B 1%

DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSETS

DISTRICT MAKEUP

BUILDING TYPE BY ADDRESS

Commercial buildings within the assessed districts.

BRISTOL

Each commercial building within the designated districts was assigned a building type based on overall characteris cs. This list can be used to easily iden fy the building type by address (per GIS databases). Building owners can determine which flood strategies will work best for their building type in the Flood Mi ga on Strategies sec on of the report.

NEW SHOREHAM

Each commercial building within the designated districts was assigned a building type based on overall characteris cs. This list can be used to easily iden fy the building type by address (per GIS databases). Building owners can determine which flood strategies will work best for their building type in the Flood Mi ga on Strategies sec on of the report.

NEW SHOREHAM

NEW SHOREHAM

31 West Side Road-E

31 West Side Road-F

31 West Side Road-G

31 West Side Road-H

72 West Side Road

74 West Side Road

80 West Side Road-A

80 West Side Road-B

80 West Side Road-C

80 West Side Road-D

80 West Side Road-E

80 West Side Road-F

80 West Side Road-G

80 West Side Road-H

80 West Side Road-I

80 West Side Road-J

80 West Side Road-K

80 West Side Road-L

135 West Side Road-A

135 West Side Road-B

NEWPORT

Each commercial building within the designated districts was assigned a building type based on overall characteris cs. This list can be used to easily iden fy the building type by address (per GIS databases). Building owners can determine which flood strategies will work best for their building type in the Flood Mi ga on Strategies sec on of the report.

NEWPORT

NEWPORT

119-122 Swimburne Row 120-124 Swimburne Row

121, 123, 126 Swimburne Row 125-128 Swimburne Row

Swimburne Row

Swimburne Row

Swimburne Row

NEWPORT

NEWPORT

NORTH KINGSTOWN

Each commercial building within the designated districts was assigned a building type based on overall characteris cs. This list can be used to easily iden fy the building type by address (per GIS databases). Building owners can determine which flood strategies will work best for their building type in the Flood Mi ga on Strategies sec on of the report.

NORTH KINGSTOWN

PORTSMOUTH

Each commercial building within the designated districts was assigned a building type based on overall characteris cs. This list can be used to easily iden fy the building type by address (per GIS databases). Building owners can determine which flood strategies will work best for their building type in the Flood Mi ga on Strategies sec on of the report.

ADDRESSTYPE SECONDARY TYPE

32 Blue Bill Way-A

32 Blue Bill Way-B

32 Blue Bill Way-C

448 Park Avenue

501 Park Avenue

506 Park Avenue

514 Park Avenue

524 Park Avenue

549 Park Avenue

555 Park Avenue

556 Park Avenue

574 Park Avenue

585 Park Avenue

595 Park Avenue

624 Park Avenue

657 Park Avenue

684 Park Avenue

706 Park Avenue

15 Point Road

17 Point Road

PROVIDENCE

Each commercial building within the designated districts was assigned a building type based on overall characteris cs. This list can be used to easily iden fy the building type by address (per GIS databases). Building owners can determine which flood strategies will work best for their building type in the Flood Mi ga on Strategies sec on of the report.

PROVIDENCE

PROVIDENCE

SMITHFIELD

Each commercial building within the designated districts was assigned a building type based on overall characteris cs. This list can be used to easily iden fy the building type by address (per GIS databases). Building owners can determine which flood strategies will work best for their building type in the Flood Mi ga on Strategies sec on of the report.

SOUTH KINGSTOWN

Each commercial building within the designated districts was assigned a building type based on overall characteris cs. This list can be used to easily iden fy the building type by address (per GIS databases). Building owners can determine which flood strategies will work best for their building type in the Flood Mi ga on Strategies sec on of the report.

ADDRESSTYPE

SOUTH KINGSTOWN

WARREN

Each commercial building within the designated districts was assigned a building type based on overall characteris cs. This list can be used to easily iden fy the building type by address (per GIS databases). Building owners can determine which flood strategies will work best for their building type in the Flood Mi ga on Strategies sec on of the report.

ADDRESSTYPE SECONDARY TYPE

WARREN

ADDRESSTYPE

WARWICK

Each commercial building within the designated districts was assigned a building type based on overall characteris cs. This list can be used to easily iden fy the building type by address (per GIS databases). Building owners can determine which flood strategies will work best for their building type in the Flood Mi ga on Strategies sec on of the report. ADDRESSTYPE

WARWICK

WEST WARWICK

Each commercial building within the designated districts was assigned a building type based on overall characteris cs. This list can be used to easily iden fy the building type by address (per GIS databases). Building owners can determine which flood strategies will work best for their building type in the Flood Mi ga on Strategies sec on of the report.

WEST WARWICK

WESTERLY

Each commercial building within the designated districts was assigned a building type based on overall characteris cs. This list can be used to easily iden fy the building type by address (per GIS databases). Building owners can determine which flood strategies will work best for their building type in the Flood Mi ga on Strategies sec on of the report.

FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Ac ons building owners can take to reduce vulnerability to flooding and associated weather events.

FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

FOR ALL BUILDING TYPES

MAKE A PLAN

Implement Flood Evacua onProtocols $

Building owners should create emergency protocols and an evacua on plan, including implemen ng buildingclosureswellaheadofapoten alstormevent. Protocolsshouldhavepredefinedfloodthresholdsand ac ons.Trainstaffandconductdrills,asneeded.Appoint a clear command structure, including responsible par es for monitoring weather and making the call to take ac on. Define areas of refuge that are above the floodline,incaseswhereevacua onsarenotpossible. Consider spaces that are accessible for people with disabili es and have access to accessible bathrooms.

WATERPROOF

WaterproofFounda onWalls $$-$$$

Waterproof the exterior of founda on walls, where possible. This prevents water from entering the building.Waterproofingeffortsincluderepairingcracks and mortar joints. Apply a waterproof membrane to a clean, dry surface. When prac cal, add a French drain atthebo!omoffoo ngs.Whenexteriorwaterproofing is not prac cal, a waterproofing membrane may be installed on the interior of the founda on wall. Install through-wallflashingatthetopoffounda onwallsand allpenetra onstodirectmoistureout.Foranyenclosed areas that remain below the required projected flood eleva on (like crawl spaces or unfinished basements), this strategy minimizes damage and material loss. (Exterior waterproofing should not be confused with floodproofing. Standard waterproofing materials do notresisthydrosta cloadsfromfloodsunlessthewall is structurally designed for those loads.)

PROTECT

ProtectYourselfFromDeniedClaims $

Review your building and flood insurance policies carefully with your carriers. Many insurance companies do not protect against flooding without specific modifica ons. Annually, photo-document your building condi on. Review FEMA requirements to document floodproofing measures properly. Consider purchasing an eleva on cer ficate to clearly defineifyourbuildingisinafloodzone.Mappingused by insurance providers is o"en inaccurate in terms of your exact building eleva on.

www.newpig.com

Flood bags are o"en used at door openings and around the site perimeter to hold back rising waters. Sandless flood bags are recommended because they store easily, don’t require significant prep, and can be installed quickly. COST INDEX

PurchaseWater-TightStorageContainers $-$$

Owners should review the contents of their building and determine what could be elevated above the flood line. Where this is not pracÅcal, consider storing items in water-Åght containers, including important documents, merchandise, and materials. In preparaÅon for an incoming flood event, consider items that could be relocated into these containers temporarily before evacuaÅng.

InstallAccessHatches $$

Consider providing access hatches or other means of egress to flat roofs in case flash flooding makes evacuaÅon unsafe and rescue is needed. The locaÅon should be easily reachable from the interior and avoid structural elements like beams or load-bearing walls.Consultadesignprofessionaltoensurebuilding code requirements are met, including structural requirements, proper waterproofing, minimum hatch size, ladder/stair access, and fall protecÅon. Consider adding addiÅonal safety measures to the roof, like anÅ-slip surfaces and guardrails.

www.stock.adobe.com

ProvideMul!pleBuildingExits $-$$$

In storm events, evacuaÅon routes may become blocked by debris and rising waters. Building owners should consider providing mulÅple exits from upper floors. This could mean reconstrucÅng your building layout or installing external fire escapes. Portable safety ladders are an inexpensive soluÅon and can be stored easily. Be sure to review weight limits. PracÅce setupaspartofsafetytraining.Besuretherearestable anchor points. Reinforce in those areas as needed.

WET FLOODPROOFING

InstallFloodVents

Install FEMA-approved flood vents in the foundaÅon walls of non-occupied areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. The vents allow floodwaters to freely enter and exit the enclosure, which equalizes hydrostaÅc pressure between the inside and outside of the walls, prevenÅng collapse of the foundaÅon. Rhode Island (following NFIP/FEMA) requires a minimum of one square inch of net opening area for every square foot of enclosed area below the FEMA basefloodelevaÅon(BFE).Theboçomoftheopening must be no higher than one foot above grade.

www.floodinsuranceguru.com

ReplaceBuildingMaterials

Replace non-flood-resistant materials (like standard gypsumdrywall,carpet,orfiberglassinsulaÅon)inany area below the base flood elevaÅon with materials that resist or recover quickly from flood damage, such as:

Pressure-treated lumber

Naturally decay-resistant wood

Closed-cell foam insulaÅon

Rigid foam board

Concrete Tile

Epoxy Flooring

Moisture-resistant subflooring

Moisture-resistant wall board

Flood-rated doors and windows

Tempered glass

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are highly suscep ble to damage from even shallow flooding. Relocate all essen al equipment – including HVAC units, water heaters, furnaces, electrical panelboards, and oil/fuel tanks – to a floor above the required flood protec on eleva on or raise them on plaçorms, racks, or wall-mounts within the building. Flat roofs are oèen good op ons for building systems, but the structure below must be rated to support the addi onal weight. Consult a structural engineer to determine reinforcement requirements.

www.lawrencefabric.com

AnchorEquipmentandStructures $-$$

Securelyanchorexteriorfueltankswithnon-corrosive metal structural supports to prevent flota on or movement during a flood, which could cause leaks, spills, and fire hazards. Install anchor bolts specifically designed to resist lateral movement, upliè, and flota on forces to secure the building structure to the founda on.Astructuralengineershouldbeconsulted to provide proper anchoring based on flood loads, building type, and founda on condi on.

InstallSumpPumps $-$$

Sumppumpsremoveexcesswaterfromyourbasement or crawl space, helping prevent water damage to walls, floors, and personal belongings. They also reduce the risk of mold and mildew. When installing a sump pump, consider where water will be evacuated to. Water should be directed as far away from the buildingaspossibletopreventitfromre-enteringand undermining the founda on.

Install Backflow Preven on $-$$

Install backflow valves or clean-outs on sewer and storm drain connec ons to prevent floodwater or sewage from backing up into the building.

Modernize Electrical Systems $$-$$$

Older electrical installa ons are oèen more vulnerabletowaterdamage,leadingtopoten alfires, electrocu on, and loss of power. Modern electrical systems are designed to withstand flood condi ons, ensuring cri cal u li es like sump pumps, emergency lights, and HVAC units stay opera onal. An electrical contractor should evaluate your exis ng systems and ensure proper grounding. Consider raising outlets above flood lines. Waterproof circuit breakers and provide ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to protect from electric shock. Upgrade electrical panels and insulate wiring.

InstallDehumifiers $-$$

Dehumidifiersareespeciallyhelpfulinreducingtheair moisture in places like basements and crawl spaces, especially post-flood events. This reduces mold and mildewthatcouldcauseserioushealthcomplica ons. Dehumidifiers help building materials dry out.

ConverttoGas $$

Building owners should consider conver ng to natural gas as their main source of heat and cooking fuel. Natural gas installa on is likely only prac cal if a main line is already located near the site or if mul ple building owners invest in the cost of running it to their area (if nearby). Upgrades or conversions to appliances like furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and dryers may be needed. A licensed service provider should also evaluate proper ven ng and gas shut-off safety features.

FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

TYPE 1 | 1A | 1B | 1C | 1D | 1E

Wood-Framed | IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al/Commercial Use) | Shingle/Clapboard/Aluminum Sided Types differ in me period built and roof type (pitched versus flat).

REINFORCE

Structural Upgrades

$-$$$

Wood-framed structures, especially those built pre1970, shouldbeevaluatedbyaprofessionalstructural engineer to iden fy deteriora on in need of repairs and determine if these buildings meet current wind and load code requirements. The stability of woodframedbuildingsiscrucialtotheirabilitytowithstand windandflooding.Reinforcementeffortsmayinclude the addi on of shear walls and strapping, typically requiredinhighwindzones.Thesezonesarereflected inwindspeedmapsadoptedintheRIBuildingCode.If your building is near a high wind zone, you may want to consider proac vely reinforcing your structure.

Window/DoorReplacement

Upgrading windows and doors can offer major safety, financial, and comfort benefits, especially in stormprone areas. Hurricane-rated windows and doors are designed to withstand flying debris. They also help maintain the building envelope, preven ng sudden pressurechangesthatcancauserooffailureandwater intrusion. Replacement of aging units can reduce water damage.

SealantReplacement

Building owners should replace failing sealant at exis ng openings. Water infiltra on not only affects human safety but can also lead to structural degrada on, rot, and mold.

COST INDEX

$ 100s

$$ 1,000s

$$$ 10,000s

$$$$ 100,000 +

ReplaceExteriorMaterials $$-$$$

Replacing exterior building materials like roofing and siding can prevent water infiltraÅon and airborne projecÅles during high wind events. Building owners should consider uÅlizing hurricane-rated materials that resist upliç. To best determine what class of material to use, building owners should consult the InternaÅonal Building Code and local zoning requirements to determine the wind speed raÅng needed. When replacing these materials, inspect plywood underlatments for deterioraÅon, holes, and gaps, and replace as needed. Flood and property insurance companies oçen offer discounts for buildings that have been upgraded.

ReplaceTrimwithCompositeMaterials $$

Wood trim will split and rot over Åme, leading to water infiltraÅon and the degradaÅon of the building envelope. Building owners should consider replacing trim with a composite material that resists rot. These materials come in many shapes and sizes and can be customized to match exisÅng profiles, oçen required on historic buildings. The addiÅon of composite skirt boardsalongthebo!omofwallsoçenpreventswater infilitraÅon especially during floods.

InstallRainScreens

When replacing exterior siding, consider adding a rainscreen for venÅlaÅon between the sheathing and finish material. Rainscreens are a second line of defense against water infiltraÅon in the event that outer materials are damaged.

RemovePlan!ngsNearFounda!ons $

PlanÅngs too close to a building can lead to water infiltraÅon.PlantsofallkindscandamagefoundaÅons andundergrounduÅliÅes,providepathwaysforwater to enter the building envelope, and even dislodge siding/roofing materials. Owners should cut back planÅngsalongthebuilding,includingshrubs,flowers, and tree overhangs, and ensure that the grade is pitched away from the building.

Small Shrubs 1-2 feet away

Medium Shrubs 3-5 feet away

Large Shrubs 1/2 the distance of mature width

Trees Consult a nursery to determine root ball and canopy width

ELEVATE

ElevateBuildingsAboveFloodLine $$$-$$$$

Raising the lowest floor above projected flood elevaÅons is one of the most effecÅve methods for floodriskreducÅonandisoçenrequiredforextensive rehabilitaÅon/renovaÅon projects located in the flood zone. State and local building codes vary, but typically require full compliance for exisÅng buildings undergoing renovaÅons equalling at least 50% of the building value. This has become an increasingly popularchoiceforbuildingownersduetothebenefits of new technologies and the potenÅal of a significant reducÅon in the cost of flood insurance.

The enÅre wood-framed structure is typically separated from its foundaÅon, liçed using hydraulic jacks, and placed onto a new or extended foundaÅon of flood-resistant materials (like concrete piers, columns, or pilings). Building owners should elevate the lowest floor to the FEMA Base Flood ElevaÅon (BFE) plus addiÅonal freeboard (an addiÅonal safety margin, typically 1 to 3 feet). For wood-framed buildings, a professional structural engineer must ensure the frame and connecÅons can withstand the stress of the liç. AddiÅonal costs must be evaluated, oçen requiring accessible ramps be installed. In many areas, this is not feasible due to site limitaÅons.

Town of Bristol GIS

FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

TYPE 1F | 1G | 1H | 1I | 1J | 1K

Wood-Framed | IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al/Commercial Use) | Masonry Sided Types differ in me period built and roof type (pitched versus flat).

REINFORCE

Structural Upgrades $-$$$

Wood-framed buildings with masonry cladding, especially those constructed before 1970, should be evaluatedbyalicensedstructuralengineertoiden fy deteriora on and confirm compliance with current wind and load code requirements. The stability of the wood framing is cri cal to the building’s ability to withstand wind and flooding. Reinforcement efforts may include adding shear walls, upgrading fasteners, andinstallingholddowns,whicharetypicallyrequired inhigh-windzones.Thesezonesareiden fiedinwind speed maps adopted in the Rhode Island Building Code. If your building is located near a high-wind zone, consider proac vely reinforcing the structure to improve resilience and reduce risk during severe weather events.

Window/DoorReplacement

Upgrading windows and doors can offer major safety, financial, and comfort benefits, especially in stormprone areas. Hurricane-rated windows and doors are designed to withstand flying debris. They also help maintain the building envelope, preven ng sudden pressurechangesthatcancauserooffailureandwater intrusion. Replacement of aging units can reduce water damage.

SealantReplacement $

Building owners should replace failing sealant at exis ng openings. Water infiltra on not only affects human safety but can also lead to structural degrada on, rot, and mold.

COST INDEX

$ 100s

$$ 1,000s

$$$ 10,000s

$$$$ 100,000 +

REPLACE

ReplaceRoofing $$-$$$

For wood-framed structures with masonry cladding, building owners should consider hurricane-rated roofingmaterialsthataredesignedtoresistwindupliÅ and impact. To determine the appropriate material class, consult the Internaçonal Building Code and local zoning requirements. When replacing roofing, inspect underlayments for deterioraçon, holes, and gaps, and replace them as needed to maintain a conçnuous weather barrier. Pay aèençon to areas where masonry cladding meets roof edges, as these juncçonsarevulnerabletowaterintrusion.Upgrading materials may also qualify for insurance discounts.

ReplaceTrimwithCompositeMaterials $$

Wood trim will split and rot over çme, leading to water infiltraçon and the degradaçon of the building envelope. Building owners should consider replacing trim with a composite material that resists rot. These materials come in many shapes and sizes and can be customized to match exisçng profiles, oÅen required on historic buildings. The addiçon of composite skirt boardsalongtheboèomofwallsoÅenpreventswater infilitraçon especially during floods.

RepointMasonryFacades $$

Inspectmasonryfacadesforlooseormissingmasonry units and mortar. Replace missing materials in kind. Install flood-resistant mortar when repoinçng. Provide lime-based products for historic buildings. Building owners can repair minor cracking with masonry crack injecçons of epoxy or polyurethane. Avoid impermeable coaçngs on all masonry surfaces that can trap moisture.

ReplaceMasonryFacades $$$-$$$$

Steel-framed masonry buildings should be evaluated byalicensedstructuralengineertoidençfynecessary repairs or reinforcements and confirm compliance with code requirements. Reinforcement may include adding lateral bracing and shear walls in high wind zones. To further support structural stability, apply corrosion-resistant coaçngs to steel framing that may beexposedtofloodingormoistureintrusion.Regularly inspect the façade for cracks or signs of oxidaçon in embedded steel components. Where corrosion is detected, remove the surrounding masonry, treat the steel with a corrosion-resistant coaçng, and then replace the masonry to restore structural integrity.

TypicalBrickFacade/Wood-FramedBuildingSec!on

CONTROL RECOVERY

ManageMasonryDrying $

AÅer prolonged flooding, building owners should prioriçze drying out their masonry buildings in a slow, consistent way to reduce the risk of cracking or structural failures. Remove debris and surface contaminaçon. Pump out any standing water against surfaces. Remove any coaçngs that may prevent the

wallfrombreathingonbothsides.Maintainconsistent temperatures when possible (60-75 degrees). Uçlize dehumidificaçon systems if interior moisture levels are high. Naturally vent interior spaces. Mechanical vençlaçon can help, but avoid strong, localized airflowdirectlytowalls.Managesaltduringthedrying process. Expect efflorescence; this is normal. Brush dried salt away (never wet).

FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

TYPE 2 | 2A | 2B | 2C | 2D | 2E

Masonry-Framed | IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al/Commercial Use) | Masonry Sided Types differ in me period built and roof type (pitched versus flat).

WATERPROOF

Wherepossible,waterprooftheexterioroffounda on walls to prevent water from entering the building. This process should begin with repairing cracks and deteriorated mortar joints to restore integrity. Apply a waterproof membrane to a clean, dry surface for maximum adhesion and performance. When prac cal, install a founda on drain at the base of the foo ngstoredirectwaterawayfromthefounda on.If exteriorwaterproofingisnotfeasible,awaterproofing membrane may be applied to the interior side of the founda on wall as an alterna ve. Addi onally, where possible, install through-wall flashing at the top of founda on walls to prevent rising damp, and around all penetra ons to direct moisture outward and prevent it from migra ng into the structure.

REINFORCE

Window/Door Replacement

Upgrading windows and doors can offer major safety, financial, and comfort benefits, especially in stormprone areas. Hurricane-rated windows and doors are designed to withstand flying debris. They also help maintain the building envelope, preven ng sudden pressurechangesthatcancauserooffailureandwater intrusion. Replacement of aging units can reduce water damage.

SealantReplacement $

Building owners should replace failing sealant at exis ng openings. Water infiltra on not only affects human safety but can also lead to structural degrada on, rot, and mold.

REPLACE

ReplaceRoofing $$-$$$

Replacing exterior building materials like roofing can help a building resist damage during rain and high windevents.BuildingownersshouldconsideruÅlizing hurricane-rated materials that resist upliç. To best determine what class of material to use, building owners should consult the InternaÅonal Building Code and local zoning requirements to determine the wind speed raÅng needed. When replacing these materials, inspect underlatments for deterioraÅon, holes, and gaps, and replace as needed. Flood and property insurance companies oçen offer discounts for buildings that have been upgraded.

ReplaceTrimwithCompositeMaterials $$

Wood trim will split and rot over Åme, leading to water infiltraÅon and the degradaÅon of the building envelope. Building owners should consider replacing trim with a composite material that resists rot. These materials come in many shapes and sizes and can be customized to match exisÅng profiles, oçen required on historic buildings. The addiÅon of composite skirt boardsalongthebo!omofwallsoçenpreventswater infilitraÅon especially during floods.

RepointMasonryFacades $$

Inspectmasonryfacadesforlooseormissingmasonry units and mortar. Replace missing materials in kind. Install flood-resistant mortar when repoinÅng. Provide lime-based products for historic buildings. Building owners can repair minor cracking with masonry crack injecÅons of epoxy or polyurethane. Avoid impermeable coaÅngs on all masonry surfaces that can trap moisture.

ReplaceMasonryFacades $$$-$$$$

Masonry walls are inherently the most resistant to flooding and inclement weather condiÅons; however, they naturally absorb moisture. If masonry walls are not installed properly, moisture can be trapped, leading to water infiltraÅon, rot, and someÅmes even wall failures. Building owners should hire a structural engineer, design professional, or credible mason to determine if their exisÅng exterior masonry walls are installed properly, especially if there are moisture infiltraÅonconcerns.Apropermasonrywallassembly typically includes a water-resistant barrier, drainage plane, flashing, and weep holes. If these don’t exist, reconstrucÅon could be costly.

TypicalMasonryFacade/Masonry-Framed BuildingSec!on

CONTROL RECOVERY

ManageMasonryDrying $

Açer prolonged flooding, building owners should prioriÅze drying out their masonry buildings in a slow, consistent way to reduce the risk of cracking or structural failures. Remove debris and surface contaminaÅon. Pump out any standing water against surfaces. Remove any coaÅngs that may prevent the

wallfrombreathingonbothsides.Maintainconsistent temperatures when possible (60-75 degrees). UÅlize dehumidificaÅon systems if interior moisture levels are high. Naturally vent interior spaces. Mechanical venÅlaÅon can help, but avoid strong, localized airflowdirectlytowalls.Managesaltduringthedrying process. Expect efflorescence; this is normal. Brush dried salt away (never wet).

FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

TYPE 3 | 3A | 3B | 3E

Metal-Framed | IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al/Commercial Use) | Shingle/Clapboard/Aluminum Sided

REINFORCE

StructuralReinforcement

Steel-framed buildings with wood clapboard cladding should be evaluated by a licensed structural engineer to iden fy necessary repairs or reinforcements and confirm compliance with current wind and load code requirements. Reinforcement efforts may include adding bracing, upgrading fasteners, and installing shearwallsandstrapping,whicharetypicallyrequired in high-wind zones. These zones are iden fied in the Rhode Island Building Code, which is updated frequently and available online. If your building is located near a high-wind zone, consider proac vely reinforcing the structure to improve resilience. To further support structural stability, apply corrosionresistantcoa ngstosteelframingthatmaybeexposed to flooding or moisture intrusion, as corrosion can compromise the integrity of the frame over me.

Window/Door Replacement $$-$$$

Upgrading windows and doors can offer major safety, financial, and comfort benefits, especially in stormprone areas. Hurricane-rated windows and doors are designed to withstand flying debris. They also help maintain the building envelope, preven ng sudden pressurechangesthatcancauserooffailureandwater intrusion. Replacement of aging units can reduce water damage.

SealantReplacement $

Building owners should replace failing sealant at exis ng openings. Water infiltra on not only affects human safety but can also lead to structural degrada on, rot, and mold.

COST INDEX

REPLACEREMOVE

ReplaceExteriorMaterials $$-$$$

Replacing exterior materials such as roofing and wood clapboard siding is essenÅal for prevenÅng water infiltraÅon and reducing damage from airborne debris during high-wind events. For steel-framed buildingswithwoodcladding,ownersshouldconsider hurricane-rated materials that resist wind upliç and impact. Consult the Building Code and local zoning requirements to idenÅfy the wind speed raÅng for yourlocaÅon.Whenreplacingthesematerials,inspect underlaymentsfordeterioraÅon,holes,andgaps,and replace them as needed to maintain a conÅnuous weather barrier. Upgrading to resilient materials not only improves structural performance but may also qualify the building for insurance discounts.

ReplaceTrimwithCompositeMaterials $$

Wood trim will split and rot over Åme, leading to waterinfiltraÅonandthedeterioraÅonofthebuilding envelope. Building owners should consider replacing trim with a composite material that resists rot. These materials come in many shapes and sizes and can be customized to match exisÅng profiles. The addiÅon of compositeskirtboardsalongthebo!omofwallsoçen prevents water infilitraÅon especially during floods.

InstallRainScreens $$

When replacing exterior siding, consider adding a rainscreenbetweenthesheathingandfinishmaterial. Rainscreens are a second line of defense against waterinfiltraÅonintheeventthatoutermaterialsare damaged.

RemovePlan!ngsNearFounda!ons $

PlanÅngs too close to a building can lead to water infiltraÅon.PlantsofallkindscandamagefoundaÅons andundergrounduÅliÅes,providepathwaysforwater to enter the building envelope, and even dislodge siding/roofing materials. Owners should cut back planÅngsalongthebuilding,includingshrubs,flowers, and tree overhangs, and ensure that the grade is pitched away from the building.

Small Shrubs 1-2 feet away

Medium Shrubs 3-5 feet away

Large Shrubs 1/2 the distance of mature width

Trees Consult a nursery to determine root ball and canopy width

ELEVATE

ElevateBuildingsAboveFloodLine $$$-$$$$

Raising the lowest floor above projected flood elevaÅons is one of the most effecÅve methods for floodriskreducÅonandisoçenrequiredforextensive rehabilitaÅon/renovaÅon projects located in the flood zone. State and local building codes vary, but typically require full compliance for exisÅng buildings undergoing renovaÅons equalling atleast 50% of the building value. This has become an increasingly popular choice for building owners due to expanding technologyandrisingfloodinsurancecosts.TheenÅre wood-framed structure is typically separated from its foundaÅon, liçed using hydraulic jacks, and placed onto a new or extended foundaÅon of flood-resistant materials (like concrete piers, columns, or pilings). Building owners should elevate the lowest floor to the FEMA Base Flood ElevaÅon (BFE) plus addiÅonal freeboard (an addiÅonal safety margin, typically 1 to 3 feet). For wood-framed buildings, a professional structural engineer must ensure the frame and connecÅons can withstand the stress of the liç. AddiÅonal costs must be evaluated, oçen requiring accessible ramps be installed. In many areas, this is not feasible due to site limitaÅons.

South Kinsgtown GIS

FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

TYPE 3C | 3D

Metal-Framed | IBC Risk Factor II (Residen al/Commercial Use) | Masonry Sided

REINFORCE

StructuralReinforcement

Window/Door Replacement $$-$$$

Upgrading windows and doors can offer major safety, financial, and comfort benefits, especially in stormprone areas. Hurricane-rated windows and doors are designed to withstand flying debris. They also help maintain the building envelope, preven ng sudden pressurechangesthatcancauserooffailureandwater intrusion. Replacement of aging units can reduce water damage.

SealantReplacement

$

Building owners should replace failing sealant at exis ng openings. Water infiltra on not only affects human safety but can also lead to structural degrada on, rot, and mold.

Steel-framed masonry buildings should be evaluated byalicensedstructuralengineertoiden fynecessary repairs or reinforcements and confirm compliance with current wind and load code requirements. Reinforcement measures for this construc on type may include adding lateral bracing, installing shear walls, and applying hold-down strapping, which are required in high-wind zones as defined by Rhode IslandBuildingCodewindspeedmaps.Ifyourbuilding is located near a high-wind zone, consider proac vely reinforcing the structure to improve resilience. Becausesteelframinginmasonrywallsisvulnerableto corrosion, especially when exposed to flooding, apply corrosion-resistant coa ngs to any steel components that may be at risk. Regularly inspect the façade for cracksorsignsofoxida oninembeddedsteelframing, par cularly in older buildings. When corrosion is detected, remove the surrounding masonry, treat the steel with a corrosion-resistant coa ng, and then replace the masonry to restore structural integrity.

COST INDEX $

REPLACE

ReplaceRoofing $$-$$$

Replacing exterior building materials like roofing and siding can prevent water infiltraÅon and air-borne projecÅles during high wind events. Building owners should consider uÅlizing hurricane-rated materials that resist upliç. To best determine what class of material to use, building owners should consult the Rhode Island Building Code to determine the wind speed raÅng needed. When replacing these materials, inspect underlayments for deterioraÅon, holes, and gaps, and replace as needed. Flood and property insurance companies oçen offer discounts for buildings that have been upgraded.

ReplaceTrimwithCompositeMaterials $$

Where wood trim is used with steel-framed masonry buildings, building owners should consider replacing it with a composite material that resists rot. These materials come in many shapes and sizes and can be customized to match exisÅng profiles, oçen required on historic buildings. The addiÅon of composite skirt boardsalongthebo!omofwallsoçenpreventswater infilitraÅon especially during floods.

RepointMasonryFacades $$

Inspectmasonryfacadesregularlyforlooseormissing masonry units and deteriorated mortar joints. When repoinÅng, use flood-resistant mortar to improve durability. For historic buildings, select lime-based products. Minor cracks can oçen be repaired using masonry crack injecÅon techniques with epoxy or polyurethane. Do not apply impermeable coaÅngs to masonry surfaces that can trap moisture and acceleratecorrosionofembeddedsteel.PayparÅcular a!enÅon to moisture intrusion can lead to oxidaÅon.

ReplaceMasonryFacades $$$-$$$$

Masonry walls are inherently the most resistant to flooding and inclement weather condiÅons; however, they naturally absorb moisture. If masonry walls are not installed properly, moisture can not be evacuated and will lead to water infiltraÅon, rot, and someÅmes even wall failures. Building owners should hire a structural engineer, design professional, or credible mason to determine if their exisÅng exterior masonry walls are installed properly, especially if there are moisture infiltraÅon concerns. A proper masonry wall assembly typically includes a water-resisÅve barrier, drainage plane, flashing, and weep holes. If these don’t exist, reconstrucÅon could be costly.

TypicalMasonryFacade/Metal-Framed BuildingSec!on

CONTROL RECOVERY

ManageMasonryDrying $

Açer flooding, building owners should prioriÅze drying out steel-framed masonry buildings slowly and consistently to reduce the risk of cracking, corrosion, or structural failure. Remove debris and surface contaminantsandpumpoutanystandingwateragainst walls or foundaÅons. Maintain indoor temperature

between 60–75°F and use dehumidificaÅon systems if interior moisture levels are high. Naturally venÅlate interior spaces; mechanical venÅlaÅon can assist, but avoid strong, localized airflow directly on walls. Examine embedded steel components during drying, astrappedmoistureandsaltscanacceleratecorrosion. Inspect these areas carefully and apply protecÅve treatments if oxidaÅon is detected.

FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

TYPE 4

IBC Risk Factor I (Storage/Non-Permanent Uses).

REINFORCE

Structural Upgrades

$-$$$

Wood-framed structures should be evaluated by a licensed structural engineer to determine whether they meet current wind and load code requirements and poten!al reinforcement required in high-wind zones. The stability of wood framing is cri!cal for withstanding wind and flood forces, and reinforcement may include adding shear walls and installingholddowns.Steel-framedmasonrybuildings should be inspected for corrosion in embedded steel components and deteriora!on of masonry joints, with reinforcement efforts focused on adding lateral bracing, shear walls, and corrosion-resistant coa!ngs to steel framing exposed to moisture. Concrete block or CMU structures should be checked for cracks, spalling,andweakenedmortarjoints,andmayrequire grout injec!on, addi!onal reinforcement bars, and breathable waterproof coa!ngs. Light-gauge metal buildingsshouldbeexaminedforrust,loosefasteners,

Window/DoorReplacement

Upgrading windows and doors can offer major safety, financial, and comfort benefits, especially in stormprone areas. Hurricane-rated windows and doors are designed to withstand flying debris. They also help maintain the building envelope, preven!ng sudden pressure changes that can cause roof failure. Replacement of aging units can reduce water infiltra!on.

SealantReplacement

$

Building owners should replace failing sealant at exis!ng openings. Water infiltra!on not only affects human safety but can also lead to structural degrada!on, rot, and mold.

COST INDEX

$ 100s

$$ 1,000s

$$$$ 100,000 + and compromised connec!ons, with reinforcement achieved through upgraded fasteners, added bracing, and protec!ve coa!ngs to prevent corrosion.

$$$ 10,000s

REMOVE

ReplaceExteriorMaterials $$-$$$

Replacing exterior building materials like roofing and siding can prevent water infiltraÅon and airborne projecÅles during high wind events. Building owners should consider uÅlizing hurricane-rated materials that resist upliç. To best determine what class of material to use, building owners should consult the InternaÅonal Building Code and local zoning requirements to determine the wind speed raÅng needed. When replacing these materials, inspect plywood underlayments for deterioraÅon, holes, and gaps, and replace as needed. Flood and property insurance companies oçen offer discounts for buildings that have been upgraded.

ReplaceTrimwithCompositeMaterials $$

Wood trim will split and rot over Åme, leading to water infiltraÅon and the degradaÅon of the building envelope. Building owners should consider replacing trim with a composite material that resists rot. These materials come in many shapes and sizes and can be customized to match exisÅng profiles, oçen required on historic buildings. The addiÅon of composite skirt boardsalongthebo!omofwallsoçenpreventswater infilitraÅon especially during floods.

InstallRainScreens

When replacing exterior siding, consider adding a rainscreenbetweenthesheathingandfinishmaterial.

Rainscreens are a second line of defense against waterinfiltraÅonintheeventthatoutermaterialsare damaged.

RemovePlan!ngsNearFounda!ons $

PlanÅngs too close to a building can lead to water infiltraÅon.PlantsofallkindscandamagefoundaÅons andundergrounduÅliÅes,providepathwaysforwater to enter the building envelope, and even dislodge siding/roofing materials. Owners should cut back planÅngsalongthebuilding,includingshrubs,flowers, and tree overhangs, and ensure that the grade is pitched away from the building.

Small Shrubs 1-2 feet away

Medium Shrubs 3-5 feet away

Large Shrubs 1/2 the distance of mature width

Trees

RemoveStructures

Consult a nursery to determine root ball and canopy width

$-$$

Complete removal of this building type may be in the owner’s best interest, for both financial and liability concerns. Reinforcement and repair efforts may outweighthecostofkeepingthesebuildings.Theyalso have a higher risk of collapse and materials becoming airborneduringanaturaldisaster.Insuranceproviders maydeemthesebuildingshighriskforotherbuildings and persons on the property, while not providing significant coverage for the loss of this building type itself.

RemoveValuables

$-$$

Consider relocaÅng valuable items out of these structures to prevent loss.

NOTE:PleaserefertoothersecÅonsofthisreportforbuildingconstrucÅonandmaterialspecificrecommendaÅons.

FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

TYPE 5 | 5A | 5B | 5C

IBC Risk Factor III (Large Assembly over 300 Occupants)

PLAN AHEAD

Implement Flood Evacua!onProtocols $

Owners of high-occupancy buildings should establish comprehensive flood evacua!on protocols that include closing the building in advance of a poten!al storm event. These protocols should define specific flood thresholds that trigger ac!on and outline responsibili!es within a clear command structure for monitoringweatherandmakingdecisions.Staffshould be trained, and evacua!on drills conducted. Event cancella!onpoliciesshouldbeclearlycommunicated. Procedures should also include systems for verifying that all occupants have evacuated, integra!on with local emergency management alerts, and the use of flood warning systems. Buildings should only serve as emergency shelters when absolutely necessary and must meet high resiliency standards to ensure safety.

EmergencyShelterAreas

Ifyourbuildingcouldbeusedasanemergencyshelter, define areas of refuge that are above the flood line. These spaces should be accessible for people with disabili!es and have access to accessible bathrooms. Createapre-definedac!onplanandfloorplandesign for how you will accommodate a shelter-in-place situa!on.Note,therearestrictcoderequirementsfor shelters.

EmergencyPower

Generators should be relocated above the flood line. Consider how the generator will be accessed, turned on, and refueled in the event of a flood.

NOTE:Pleaserefertoothersec!onsofthisreportforbuildingconstruc!onandmaterialspecificrecommenda!ons.

COST INDEX

$ 100s

$$ 1,000s

$$$ 10,000s

$$$$ 100,000 +