The Rhode Island Shellfisherman’s Association distributed 150 quart Igloo coolers to 40 quahoggers this week thanks to a Local Agriculture and Seafood Act $5,200 grant. Michael McGiveney, president of the association explained LASA funding is aimed at assisting farmers and fishermen in getting products to market. With the opening of the lower Providence River to shellfishing on a limited schedule, he said quahoggers have larger harvests and the giant coolers will enable them to ensure the delivery of fresh quahogs to market. The Rhode Island association applied for the grant months ago and while it took time for the coolers to be delivered, McGiveney, at left, noted they couldn’t have arrived at a better time. The only issue now, in the wake of more than three inches of rain Sunday, is that much of the bay is closed to shellfishing. Association treasurer, Bruce Eastman at right, noted the coolers will also protect catch from freezing in the winter. (Warwick Beacon photo)