URI_Research_Magazine_Momentum_Fall_2021_Melissa-McCarthy

“Currently, this is being used for resilience planning and training with various storm scenarios,” Rubinoff says. “They will ultimately be able to see hurricanes and Nor’easters coming up the coast in almost real time and be able to see when that will impact different kinds of infrastructure. We are arming cities and towns with the information they need to put action plans in place.” impacting critical infrastructure such as wastewater treatment facilities, sewer systems, utilities, airports, and seaports. As part of RICHAMP, Rosemarie Fusco, graduate research assistant in the Department of Marine Affairs, is developing a database of vulnerable assets and risks to operations to the Naval Station Newport and its tenants. The database The system includes cascading consequences of extreme storms

PAM RUBINOFF Associate Coastal Resources Manager, Coastal Resilience, Extension Specialist RI Sea Grant

will incorporate consequence thresholds, or measurable points at which Naval assets are impacted by wind, water, and waves. “Our work is revealing gaps and overlaps between the Navy and its neighboring areas, both in disaster management and in vulnerability to coastal weather events affected by climate change,” Fusco says. “I am discovering that experts on the ground who work in facility management and infrastructure facilitation often see the possibilities in reuse, mitigation, and adaptation. If this research is used to guide resources or movement of physical elements, it could better synergize state and local engagement.”

TERESA CREAN Associate Coastal Resources Manager, Community Planning and Coastal Resilience, Extension Specialist, RI Sea Grant

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