Fox Point barrier getting Storm Ready

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - With Hurricane Bill expected to gain strength over the next 48 hours, Eyewitness News is checking on the strength of Providence's famed hurricane barrier. The bottom line: The 39-year-old barrier is still structurally sound.

The Fox Point hurricane barrier will protect tens of thousands of people, and about $5 billion of property. Right now, the City of Providence is responsible for keeping it hurricane ready, but that's changing.

"There's no concerns about the integrity of the barrier," said J. David Smith, the executive director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency.

Smith did say the barrier, built in 1960, is getting a few upgrades.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will receive $8 million in funds allocated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for flood protection and water restoration initiatives at the barrier.

Right now, the barrier is maintained by the City of Providence, but the corps is in the final stages of taking over that responsibility. Providence mayor David Cicilline says when the takeover is finished, the federal government will be responsible for staffing and maintaining the hurricane barrier.

"Most important, the capital investments necessary to maintain the hurricane barrier will be the responsibility of the federal government, not the local Providence taxpayers. Which is a big win for us," said the mayor.

The mayor also said the barrier is regularly inspected by the Army Corps as well as the Department of Public Works.

While the transition to the Army Corps of Engineers continues, the Fox Point barrier will still be maintained and staffed by the City of Providence.