WASHINGTON, DC — In an effort to protect Rhode Islanders, safeguard the state's ports against terrorist attacks, and strengthen national security, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced that Rhode Island will receive $1,594,949 in Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) awards. This federal aid will help make Rhode Island's ports safer and more secure by enhancing risk management capabilities, bolstering maritime law enforcement operations, and funding preparedness activities.

"Rhode Island's ports are vital to our economy, culture, and heritage. This federal investment will strengthen Rhode Island's port security and transportation infrastructure. It will also provide first responders with the tools to reduce potential threats and ensure that our state's ports are protected," said Reed a member of the Appropriations Committee, which oversees funding for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) programs. "Rhode Island is a safe place, but it is home to a large population and a great deal of infrastructure. This federal funding will go a long way toward helping Naval and Coast Guard forces monitor and secure our ports, bridges, and waterways."

Rhode Island will receive $1,594,949 in PSGP awards, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including:

• Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation: $1,402,549
• City of East Providence's Fire Department: $75,000
• The City of Warwick's Harbormaster: $45,000
• Rhode Island Department of Public Safety's State Police: $24,980
• North Kingstown's Police Department: $24,920
• Sprague Energy Corp., Providence: $22,500

PSGP funds strengthen risk management capabilities to prevent, detect, respond to and recover from attacks involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs), weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), and other non-conventional weapons. These federal awards also fund preparedness training and exercises and help to enhance maritime domain awareness, which allows maritime law enforcement, like the Navy and the Coast Guard, to identify possible threats.