PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will begin removal of the crane-topped, derelict barge in the Providence River this week, according to DEM.
The project to remove the 400,000 pounds of marine debris, in the river since 2017, will be funded by a $1.5 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program.
These funds were provided to NOAA via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The barge is viewed as a ecological and navigational hazard, and limits recreational and economic activities.
Materials recovered from the barge’s hull will be utilized to built “community-informed art and amenities at the Public Street coastal right of way.”
This effort is in collaboration with the Steel Yard, a non-profit industrial art studio in Providence.
After the barge is removed, Save the Bay will host volunteer marine debris cleanups.