The PREP program offers local governments — elected and volunteer officials and board members, and planning staff — sound science and complementary tools, backed with technical assistance, so they can make informed and confident decisions about how best to build community resilience to the impacts of strong storms and sea level rise. Besides helping decision-makers protect people and property from the hazards of flooding and erosion, PREP assists leaders in building community understanding of the impacts and engagement in choosing potential options for increasing resilience.
Within the PREP portfolio, relevant examples and lessons learned from Rhode Island communities are included, as well as ways to use various resources and tools in decision-making. PREP builds upon existing State efforts and is the product of collaboration among experts from a variety of fields. While geared toward coastal municipalities, much of the information is helpful for inland communities as well as other public and private sector stakeholders throughout the state.