Charlestown Breachway repair work

After the initial compromising of the west wall of the Charlestown Breachway in December of 2023 and January of 2024, work began to rebuild the structure stronger and longer lasting than ever.

Click here for additional information and resources: https://charlestownri.gov/breachwayinformation

Post Storm Information and Funding Updates:

August 27, 2025

The emergency repair of the breachway held up well during the storm surge from Hurricane Erin. While some high waves did break through the natural west side dunes, the stonework of the west seawall and the majority of the artificial dune created during the emergency repair remained in place. The effects of the storm surge would have been much worse had the emergency repair not been done. Post storm, the beach has started to naturally recover.

August 8, 2025

An informational meeting was held at the Kettle Pond Visitor's Center. After a welcome by Executive Director of Salt Ponds Coalition, Alicia Schaffner, an overview of outreach and communication efforts thus far were provided by Casey Tremper, Coastal Specialist with RI Sea Grant. Information was provided about how to access this website as well as details about our new CoastSnap station which will support volunteer monitoring of the restoration progress.

Stephen McCandless, Charlestown GIS coordinator and coastal geologist, announced the funding that has been obtained:

$5 million from DEM's request which will be allotted by the state through CRMC
$2 million from CRMC for dredging
$1.4 million from Charlestown town budget to support efforts as necessary

Emily Hall, CRMC coastal geologist and Stephen McCandless then walked through the permitting and design. Permits have not been finalized, but all parties are hopeful that construction on the West wall will start after Charlestown Breachway State Campground closes for the season on Oct. 31. Construction will be paused, and the Charlestown Breachway State Beach will be open as usual during beach season. Planting of the dunes will be completed in the Fall of 2026.

Please contact Casey Tremper at casey_tremper@uri.edu with questions.

October 17, 2024

The Town of Charlestown and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are announcing that temporary emergency repair work of the west wall of the Charlestown Breachway is beginning on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.

The repair work is to prevent further hazards to boaters caused by storm damage to the breachway over the years, reduce the influx of sand into Ninigret Pond, and protect nearby coastal properties from increased erosion and flooding risks. Large angular granite boulders will be placed to partially restore the Breachway’s structural integrity, improve safe navigation, stabilize the coastline, and preserve essential water flow to maintain ecological balance, water quality, and economic stability for the Town of Charlestown. Some sediment will be removed from the breachway to stabilize the placed stones.

“The Ocean State is on the frontlines of the ongoing impacts of climate change, and the Charlestown Breachway’s current condition is a result of storm damage and coastal erosion from climate impacts,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I am glad that the Town of Charlestown and state agencies are working collaboratively on these necessary temporary repairs as we continue to work together to identify a long-term solution for the breachway.”

“Rhode Island’s coastal communities are increasingly contending with sea level rise, flooding, more frequent and severe storm events, and erosion due to the impacts of climate change," said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Last year, the Charlestown Breachway was damaged by the intense winter storms in December and January, leading to impacts on the channel and environmental conditions in Ninigret Pond. This followed years of loss of beachfront in the area, which brought the ocean much closer to the breakwaters. DEM and the Town of Charlestown remain committed to the successful completion of repairs to the breachway and looking at the long-term repairs and upgrades for this important coastal infrastructure.”

The work is being conducted by RMA GeoEnvironmental of Wickford, RI. The total cost of the temporary repair project is estimated to be around $500,000, with DEM contributing fifty percent of the final project cost up to a maximum of $300,000 from RI Capital Plan Funds, and the Town of Charlestown contributing the funding for the rest of the cost. Boaters should continue using caution when passing through the Breachway, as Town officials, DEM, and the RI Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) remain in collaboration to determine a long-term plan to further repair the breachway.