More grants resulting from superstorm Sandy are on their way to Rhode Island, this time aimed specifically at historic properties and archaeological sites.
On Monday, state officials and members of the state’s congressional delegation will gather to announce $2.58 million for repairs to historic structures and their landscaping, and for archaeological survey and recovery work spurred by severe coastal erosion.
The gathering to announce 23 grants in 10 communities will take place at The Towers in Narragansett, which is receiving $57,820 to help pay for replacing its wind-damaged roof with original red cedar shingles.
The federal program is directed by the National Park Service, with grants administered by the R.I. Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., chairman of the appropriations subcommittee on the Interior and Environment, helped secure $829 million for federal disaster relief through the Park Service.
“This is about preserving our past and building toward a more sustainable future. In addition to aesthetic value, the preservation and restoration of these local landmarks helps boost tourism and economic development,” Reed said in a statement.
The largest Rhode Island grants are for archaeology work, $577,431 on Block Island and $474,766 in Charlestown, Narragansett and Westerly. The work will help evaluate whether the sites might be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
The next largest grant, $447,500, is for the landscape at Watch Hill Light. The Cliff Walk, the popular seaside trail in Newport still undergoing repairs, will receive $254,118.
Several Newport mansions near the Cliff Walk will receive grants for landscaping improvements: The Breakers, $7,135; Chateau-sur-Mer, $5,678; Rosecliff, $16,723; Ochre Court, $4,863; and Vinland, $4,913.
Among the six-figure grant recipients are Stone Lea, Narragansett, $131,750; Hazard’s Castle, Narragansett, $122,394; and Rose Island, Newport, $103,500.
Rounding out the grant winners are the Southeast Light on Block Island, $1,958; Benjamin Church Home for Aged Men, Bristol, $11,495; Bristol Ferry Light, a private residence, $82,546; Stillhouse Cove park, Cranston, $31,902; the foundation of the original Beavertail Light in Jamestown, $3,500; Dunmere estate in Narragansett, $85,000; Newport Congregational Church’s parish house, $2,902; William T. Grant building in Pawtucket, $90,000; Peace Dale Manufacturing Co. barn and shed in South Kingstown, $9,150; and Lanphear Livery Stable, $49,999.