October 25, 2005

BLACKSTONE RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION RECEIVES GENEROUS GRANT FROM

UNIBANK TO HELP WITH IMPROVING THE BLACKSTONE RIVER

UXBRIDGE, MA – UniBank awarded the Blackstone River Watershed Association (BRWA) with a $15,000 grant to be distributed over three years. Kenneth J. Redding, UniBank CEO, was pleased to present the first installment to James Plasse, treasurer of BRWA, during an informal ceremony at UniBank. With this generous donation, UniBank becomes the first and founding member of the BRWA’s “Watershed Sponsorship Program.”

The BRWA has a dream, to make the Blackstone River fishable and swimmable by the year 2015. UniBank is a strong supporter of the BRWA’s goals and shares its dream. Mr. Redding commented, “The Blackstone River developed its reputation as the hardest working river in the country during the industrial revolution and was the economic engine of the Blackstone Valley.  Prosperity brought with it pollution of the river and neglect of a vital resource.  We understand the need to protect the river and recognize the economic potential of a healthy and clean river.  We are happy to support the efforts of the Blackstone River Watershed Association and the role they play in preserving a vital resource of the Blackstone Valley.”

The grant will help fund the BRWA’s Environmental Outreach Program for the middle reach of the Blackstone River watershed. Concerned citizens will be organized onto “stream teams” and will work to safeguard and improve the quality of the water and habitat in the Blackstone River watershed. The teams will conduct shoreline surveys, identify issues that affect the water, flora and fauna, develop action plans to correct problems and work with state and local government to accomplish these goals.

The Blackstone River Watershed Association (BRWA), established in 1976, is dedicated to restoring, enhancing and preserving the Blackstone River, the Blackstone River system and its watershed. The BRWA is working to take what was one of the most polluted rivers in the United States and turning it into the jewel of the Blackstone Valley. The organization participates in water quality monitoring, shoreline surveys, cleanups and monitoring and removing invasive species in the River. For more information or to volunteer call the BRWA office at 508-278-5200.

Photo Caption: (L-R) Kenneth J. Redding, UniBank CEO; Donna Williams, BRWA secretary; James Plasse, BRWA treasurer and Maggie Plasse BRWA co-treasurer.