RI to receive federal funding for public safety measures

Rhode Island’s (RI) Congressional Delegation will receive $6.9m in federal funding from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and US Department of Justice (DOJ), in a bid to assist state and local agencies to prevent crime and prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The $3,224,241 funding from the Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG) will be used by the emergency preparedness to help state and local governments in enhancing and sustaining all-hazards emergency management capabilities.

Through the EMPG Programme, the federal government will provide necessary direction, coordination, and guidance as well as assistance for emergency preparedness system that exists for all hazards.

Funding of $2,801,316 from the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) is expected to assist and train state emergency responders to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from emergencies and acts of terrorism.

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) funding of $876,976 will be used by the state and local criminal justice agencies to pay for technology, equipment, and training in a bid to prevent community crimes.

Funding grants from the EMPG and SHSP is under the FY 2012 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act while the Byrne JAG programme comes under FY 2012 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act.

US Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline said in a joint statement that the federal funds will enhance Rhode Island’s emergency preparedness in addition to equipping law enforcement officials and first responders.

"We need to do everything we can to continue to improve the state’s emergency response capabilities," they added.