WASHINGTON, DC - More than $3.4 million in Amtrak funding is coming to Rhode Island for security improvements and facility upgrades, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) announced today. The funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which both Senators supported.

"Amtrak is a key link for our state's economy to the rest of the Northeast. Ensuring we maintain that connection and have the best possible service is important to Rhode Island's economy and its environment. This federal investment will allow for critical upgrades to enhance safety, make train travel more secure, and improve passenger rail service," said Reed.

"Amtrak trains connect Rhode Islanders to their jobs and their families throughout the Northeast. Investing in rail amidst these uncertain times will help safeguard passengers and infrastructure, and support jobs and economic growth in our state," said Whitehouse.

Amtrak funding for upgrades in Rhode Island will include:

$2,865,000 for Security Enhancements
Amtrak will invest more than $2.8 million as part of a national project to remediate physical infrastructure vulnerabilities and enhance incident management and risk mitigation capabilities in the intercity passenger rail network. This effort prioritizes investments in Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) detection, risk assessment/risk reduction decision cycle optimization, and communications interoperability.

$350,000 for Facility Upgrades at Providence Station
Amtrak will invest $350,000 to construct protective edging above the electric power transmission (catenary) wires for trains at Providence Station, to prevent accidental contact.

$105,000 for Wireless Access Points for Field Operations in Providence
Amtrak will invest $105,000 to make wireless communications infrastructure and connectivity technology available at key maintenance and support facilities as well as critical areas along the right of way. This enhancement will help personnel not based in an office location, such as yards and mechanical shops, or who travel as part of their job functions, connect wirelessly to the Amtrak data network, and will benefit Amtrak Police Department, Engineering, Mechanical, and Transportation workers.

$101,000 for ADA Compliance
Amtrak will invest $100,00 to construct a new ADA-compliant tactile edge on concrete MBTA platforms at Providence Station, and $1,000 for agreements, host railroad negotiations, conceptual and final design, and financial and program management for Amtrak's "Mobility First" program.