Infrastructure at Risk: Protecting Community Investments | PREP-RI

This video is part of PREP-RI (Providing Resilience Education for Planning in Rhode Island), a training program developed by Rhode Island Sea Grant to help municipal officials, board and commission members, planners, and community leaders make informed decisions that support resilience. Rhode Island's infrastructure, including transportation, communications, water, energy, and wastewater systems, is essential to public safety, economic stability, and everyday life. However, increased flooding, sea-level rise, storm surge, coastal erosion, and more frequent heavy rainfall events are placing increasing pressure on these critical systems. Much of Rhode Island's infrastructure was designed for past conditions and may not be equipped to withstand future climate impacts. Communities must plan for disruptions such as power outages, road closures, and damage to public facilities while investing in infrastructure that can adapt to changing conditions. This module explores how climate change affects infrastructure, identifies key vulnerabilities, and highlights strategies communities are using to strengthen resilience and protect public investments. Learn more about PREP-RI and coastal resilience planning in Rhode Island. https://seagrant.gso.uri.edu/prep-ri