EXISTING CORPS OF ENGINEERS' PROJECTS 



klm There are no existing or authorized hurricane protection proj- 

 ects in the Narragansett Bay area. Twelve orojects for the improve- 

 ment of navigation have been authorized of which eight have been 

 completed. In addition, there are six authorized navigation surveys 

 and four authorized preliminary examinations for navigation. 

 Although these projects would have no effect on hurricane-induced 

 tidal flooding, the projects which include breakwaters would reduce 

 wave action. The projects would also have some influence on the 

 selection of sites for, and the design of, proposed orotective 

 structures. In addition to navigation projects in the area, there 

 are four authorized flood contix)l projects on the Blackstone River, 

 two of which, the local protection at Woonsocket, Rhode Island, 

 and the VJo re ester Diversion project, are under construction. The 

 others include a local protection project at Pawtucket, Rhode Island; 

 and a flood control reservoir at West Hill, Massachusetts, Only the 

 reservoir project would affect the runoff from the Blackstone River, 

 None of the "others would reduce flood floiis entering Narragansett 

 Bay from tributary rivers during heavy rainfalls accompanying hvirri- 

 canes and so would not affect the design of hurricane protection 

 structures. 



IMPROVEMEKTS DESIRED 



I48. VIEWS OF LOCAL INTERESTS 



The three hurricanes of 195U, - Hurricane Carol (August 3I), 

 Hurricane Edna (September 11) and Hurricane Hazel (October 1$) , 

 following so closely on the disastrous flooding; of 1938* served as 

 powerful stimulants to local interests to seek positive means of 

 protection against hurricane tidal flooding. The danger resulting 

 from recurring hurricanes was clearly recognized as a grave threat 

 to the economy and growth of the area. Citizens' groups, municipal 

 officials and representatives of the State of Rhude Island earnestly 

 pressed for quick action on legislation for tidal flood control. 

 Delegations from Rhode Island and other New 2n<^land states, partici- 

 pating in Congressional hearings held as an aftermath of Hurricane 

 Carol, urged that hurricane damage surveys of stricken areas in New 

 England be made with a view to recommending protection. The Governor 

 of Rhode Island, in testimony before a Senate Public Works subcom- 

 mittee, declared that most of the damages in Providence resulting 

 from Hurricane Carol co\ild have been prevented by dams or seawalls 



29 



