NEW: RI to Receive Nearly $7 Million to Enhance Public Safety

NEW: RI to Receive Nearly $7 Million to Enhance Public Safety

In an effort to enhance public safety and strengthen Rhode Island’s emergency preparedness, Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation has announced that the state will receive $6,789,619 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). From enhanced training to purchasing essential equipment, these federal grants will help state and local agencies prevent crime and prepare for and respond to regional emergencies and mass-casualty events.

“This is a smart investment in enhancing the state’s security and emergency response capabilities. The Boston bombings were a stark reminder that we need well-trained first responders and a well-coordinated emergency response,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Representative Jim Langevin, and U.S. Representative David Cicilline in a joint statement.

The grants Rhode Island will receive include:

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State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Funding: $3,459,364

This program helps the state equip emergency responders and train them to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from emergencies and acts of terrorism.

Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG): $3,152,010

This funding provides grants for emergency preparedness to assist state and local governments in enhancing and sustaining all-hazards emergency management capabilities. The federal government, through the EMPG Program, provides necessary direction, coordination, and guidance, and provides necessary assistance, so that a comprehensive emergency preparedness system exists for all hazards.

Port Security Grant Program (PSGP): $178,245

This funding provides grants to boost transportation infrastructure security activities. PSGP funds support increased port-wide risk management; enhanced domain awareness; conduct training and exercises; expansion of port recovery and resiliency capabilities; and further capabilities to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from attacks involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other non-conventional weapons.

The following Rhode Island organizations will receive PSGP funds:

• City of Providence Rhode Island Fire Department: $68,500
• City of Cranston Fire Department: $35,000
• Rhode Island State Police: $28,000
• Sprague Energy Providence Terminal: $24,245
• Rhode Island Fast Ferry: $22,500