WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, along with Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline, announced that the state will receive $8,433,558 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to improve public safety and bolster Rhode Island’s emergency preparedness efforts. These federal funds are targeted to help Rhode Island government agencies and organizations prepare for, respond to, and recover from regional and national emergencies, disasters, and mass-casualty events, in addition to providing for enhanced training and the purchase of essential equipment.

“Federal emergency preparedness and homeland security funding help states and local governments and non-profit organizations build and maintain the emergency response infrastructure that keeps communities safe,” said Senator Reed.  “I commend RIEMA and local emergency managers for their outstanding work and leadership, particularly now during the COVID-19 national emergency, and I am pleased to help deliver these federal funds to assist their efforts.”

“The coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated more clearly than ever the value of preparing for emergencies before they happen,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “I’m pleased to join my delegation colleagues to announce more than $8 million in federal funding to ensure Rhode Island is equipped to handle threats of all kinds.”    

“The COVID-19 global pandemic has made it abundantly clear that our communities must be prepared to face even the most challenging emergencies and this critical emergency preparedness funding will help us in this endeavor,” said Congressman Langevin, a senior member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. “Whether confronted by a biological threat or severe weather conditions, we must be ready when disasters strike. I will continue to work with my Congressional colleagues to ensure Rhode Island has the support to respond to any challenge that may arise.”

"This critical funding addresses our security and emergency preparedness needs by providing necessary funds to organizations facing serious security challenges,” said Congressman Cicilline. “These funds will help Rhode Island’s non-profits prevent, respond to, and recover from potential terrorist attacks better and more effectively.”

“Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, this grant award will be more vital than ever as we continue to safeguard the State with enhanced security measures and increased capabilities. To better plan for, respond to, recover from and mitigate against all hazards, this funding will assist the State, municipalities, and the tribal government with preparedness activities and protect the people of Rhode Island,” said Marc Pappas, Director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency.  “We appreciate all the hard work and dedication from our partners and the support the Congressional Delegation provided to obtain this funding and help the State of Rhode Island during this critical time.”

Specifically, Rhode Island will receive:

State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Funding: $4,287,500
This program provides support for the implementation of state homeland security risk-driven strategies to address identified planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events.

Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG): $3,342,540
This funding provides grants for emergency preparedness to assist state and local governments in enhancing and sustaining all-hazards emergency management capabilities. Administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the EMPG Program provides necessary direction, coordination, and guidance, and assistance, so that a comprehensive emergency preparedness system exists for all hazards.

Port Security Program (PSGP): $474,600
This program provides grants to help protect critical port infrastructure, enhance maritime domain awareness, improve port-wide maritime security risk management, and maintain or reestablish maritime security mitigation protocols that support port recovery and resiliency capabilities. The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency will receive these funds for programs related to port security, training, exercises, and surveillance at the Narragansett/Mt. Hope Bays.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP): $328,918

This program provides grants to assist nonprofit organizations in obtaining the resources required to support and integrate the preparedness activities of nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack with broader state and local preparedness efforts. This round of funding includes $100,000 for Chabad of Barrington Inc, $98,918 for Christ Episcopal Church, $100,000 for Providence Hebrew Day School, and $30,000 for the Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistance Team.