Meeting held to discuss how to keep Pawtuxet River from flooding

SCITUATE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island’s largest river is always a major talking point when rain is in the forecast.

The Pawtuxet River, which flows 17 miles from Scituate to Narragansett Bay, has produced severe flooding situations in recent years.

A legislative commission met Wednesday night at the State House to discuss how to keep the river from flooding its banks.

The River Authority recommends more green space along the river as the most effective way to prevent catastrophe when the waters rise.

In March 2010, the river reached 20.79 feet, which was the result of the state receiving 16 inches of rain within a month.

The river’s overflow ultimately drowned out nearby roadways, neighborhoods and businesses. It also left the Warwick Mall partially submerged for days.

In December 202