Indian artifacts found in Hopkinton

HOPKINTON, R.I. (WPRI) -- At least a half dozen Narragansett Indian artifacts have been unearthed at the site of a proposed electrical substation in Hopkinton.

The discovery was made on a 16-acre property where National Grid plans to build the new substation.  A routine survey of the land by the utility company and the Narragansett Indian Tribe turned up several ceremonial stones.

National Grid tells Eyewitness News the discovery will not derail plans for the new substation. The ceremonial stones will be preserved, and construction is expected to begin in about 18 months.

Hopkinton Town Council President Frank Landolfi says the project is important for the area. 

"We've had a lot of power outages," Landolfi explained. "I think National Grid realized the infrastructure may be lacking so this really is going to help out our town and surrounding towns."