Cumberland, Rhode Island, has completed a $1.2 million stormwater infrastructure project along Industrial Road to reduce chronic flooding in the town’s largest commercial area and business park.

The area is home to more than 30 businesses and has experienced flooding during heavy rainfall, disrupting operations, delaying deliveries and making it difficult for employees to reach work.

The project upgraded the area’s stormwater system to capture, manage and treat runoff before discharging it into the state’s drainage system. The improvements are intended to reduce flooding, protect nearby infrastructure, support business continuity during severe weather and safeguard water quality.

U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo (D-RI) joined local leaders to mark the project’s completion. He said the investment would help protect jobs and keep goods moving through one of Cumberland’s key commercial areas.

Federal community project funding for the work was secured by U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, both Democrats from Rhode Island, and former U.S. Rep. David Cicilline through a fiscal year 2023 funding package.