| "Besides driving results
towards environmental benefits, the approach can
result in cost savings by leveraging and building
upon the financial resources and willingness of
the people with interests in the watershed to take
action." EPA
Watershed Approach Framework |
The combined resources of federal, state, and local
governments as well as access to new funding sources
make the watershed approach an economically viable method.
Imagine a typical restoration project that the watershed
community wishes to implement. The combined resources
of state agencies, municipalities, non-profits, etc.
can not only access a wider array of funding sources,
but can offer more personnel with which to apply.
See Ongoing
Projects in the Woonasquatucket for examples of
federal, state, and locally-driven initiatives in the
watershed.
Considering the scale of most Rhode Island towns, only
a few square miles in area and a few thousand in population,
it would seem that a consolidation of efforts on the
scale of the watershed would be a very cost-effective
option. However, it remains to be seen whether the watershed
approach will deliver on its promises. See Recommendations
for DEM for more information.
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