WASHINGTON The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) informed U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) that DHS is awarding the state of Rhode Island $1,718,460 in federal funding for state and local emergency management programs. Funding for the grant comes from DHS FY 2006 Emergency Management Performance Grants Program (EMPG) program. These grants provide states the flexibility to allocate funds according to risk vulnerabilities and to address the most urgent state and local needs in disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery capabilities for all hazards.Senator Reed stated, This funding will help the state of Rhode Island prepare and respond to any emergency that may arise, as well as provide the state with the flexibility to address the most urgent needs. Reed continued, It is vital that the federal government return tax dollars to communities to help address these concerns.Funding for the EMPG program was included in the FY 06 Homeland Security appropriations bill. Reed supported this bill which provides most of Rhode Islands homeland security funding.