WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to enhance local efforts to prevent underage drinking throughout the state, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that Rhode Island will receive $360,000 in federal funding for the Enforcement of Underage Drinking Laws (EUDL) block grant program. The program, administered by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile and Delinquency Prevention, supports law enforcement and community efforts to curb underage drinking and prohibit the sale and purchase of alcoholic beverages to minors.

"This federal funding will help local efforts to keep kids safe and reduce underage drinking," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees federal funding for Department of Justice programs. "Underage drinking is a serious problem that can lead to tragic consequences for our kids and their families. This grant is a smart investment in the health, well-being, and safety of Rhode Island's youth."

This federal grant may be used to support a wide range of activities such as providing funds to local police departments to conduct enforcement and alcohol purchase surveys and technical assistance to local communities for underage drinking laws enforcement strategies.

Since the program's inception in 1998, EUDL has sought to reduce youth access to alcohol by developing healthier community environments and supporting effective law enforcement programs.