Rhode Island to Receive $15 Million to Strengthen Emergency Preparedness and Security

Press Release

With a possible hurricane landing this weekend, Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation today announced the state will receive $15 million in federal funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This federal funding will be administered by DHS's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The federal grants will help state and local agencies prepare for and respond to natural and man-made disasters.

"At a time when the state and localities face tight budgets, these federal funds will help them equip our police and emergency responders as well as improve security at our ports. These federal grants are all part of making sure that we're prepared and continue to improve the state's emergency response capabilities," said U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Appropriations Committee.

"This funding will help keep Rhode Islanders secure by ensuring our first responders have the training and tools they need in the event of an emergency," said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the Judiciary Committee and a former Attorney General and U.S. Attorney for Rhode Island.

"As people up and down the East Coast were reminded in the aftermath of yesterday's earthquake, we cannot predict these events, but we know the potential consequences of being unprepared. These funds are critical to ensuring that Rhode Island's communities will be able to limit and repair damage in emergency situations to preserve our citizens' livelihoods and our economy," said Representative Langevin.

"This critical funding addresses our security and emergency preparedness needs by supporting the work of our first responders," said Congressman Cicilline. "These funds will help Rhode Island's emergency responders prevent, respond to, and recover from emergency situations and natural disasters better and more effectively."