PROVIDENCE - Mayor David N. Cicilline today announced that the Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) has been awarded a $2.28 million in federal dollars from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enhance operations at PEMA headquarters and increase security at the Port of Providence. Mayor Cicilline praised members of Rhode Island's Congressional delegation for their strong advocacy in Washington on behalf of Providence families and thanked Senator Jack Reed and Congressman Jim Langevin in particular for their hard work to ensure that $980,000 of those funds were appropriated in the FY 10 federal budget.

"I want to thank Senator Jack Reed and Congressman Langevin for making the case in Washington for the federal funds necessary to strengthen our emergency preparedness and enhance our ability to respond to a large-scale disaster in the Providence metropolitan area," said Mayor Cicilline. "As the economic and cultural center of Rhode Island and the site of critical infrastructure, we have the responsibility to ensure that PEMA is in the strongest position to protect the safety of residents and visitors to our city."

"When disaster strikes, the Providence Emergency Operations Center serves as the command center for protecting the public and coordinating the response. I was pleased to secure additional federal funding to expand and upgrade this complex and equip it with state-of-the-art technology," said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee. "If flooding or disaster hits Providence or a neighboring community, their emergency management teams can set up shop here to coordinate, strategize, and work together with different agencies to keep the public safe and well-informed about what is going on."

"Our towns must be as prepared as possible for whatever disaster may befall our Ocean State," said Senator Whitehouse. "This funding will allow PEMA to better meet that goal and keep Rhode Islanders safe. I commend Mayor Cicilline, Senator Reed, and Congressman Langevin for their work to make this funding a reality."

"I am always proud to advocate for funding for our first responders," said Langevin. "When things run smoothly and lives are saved, it is sometimes easy to overlook the people and preparation that contributed to the response. But I believe that our city and state's efforts to properly plan and prepare is crucial to protecting the safety of our citizens."

The majority of the funds will be used to implement phase two of upgrades to PEMA headquarters at the Charles Street facility. Improvements include expansion of the facility's Emergency Operation Center (EOC), additional training and administrative space as well as showers, dormitory space and other facilities for EOC staff forced to remain on duty during extended periods of time. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall.

The funds will also enhance PEMA's ability to assist other communities during wide-scale disasters. PEMA is the lead agency responsible for managing the Greater Providence Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS), the regional distribution of medicines and vaccines during an emergency. PEMA is also the lead agency for the Providence Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) - a federal program designed to enhance regional preparedness in major metropolitan areas.

PEMA will also use $1 million in DHS funds awarded to the City through a competitive grant process in 2009 to improve emergency management preparedness capabilities.

The remainder of the funds, $300,000 secured from DHS through a competitive grant process, will be used to help fund security enhancement projects at the Port of Providence, including improvements to Port surveillance security cameras.