Rhode Island coastal communities face challenges from the impacts, including those caused by increased intensity of storms and flooding and accelerating sea level rise, including flooding. The PREP program reflects the depth and breadth of the coastal resilience expertise that URI- CRC and Rhode Island Sea Grant offers communities in Rhode Island so they can confidently address these impacts with science-based planning. Initially comprising a web-based series of education modules, PREP now encompasses a diverse portfolio of tools and technical assistance examples that coastal communities, businesses, and leaders can use to act today and plan for tomorrow.
The portfolio builds upon over a decade of work with diverse partnerships committed to adaptation science, policy, and practice, with a range of activities — from shoreline exposure mapping to green infrastructure design, to resilience plan development — already undertaken by many Ocean State communities. PREP is now providing technical expertise to pilot programs, including those in the city of Providence and the town of Portsmouth. Information from PREP coastal resilience initiatives is available to all, with municipalities as a key audience.
PREP funders include both the Federal and State governments as well as private charities.